Bandwidth Allocation Protocol

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What Does Bandwidth Allocation Protocol Mean?

Bandwidth allocation protocol (BAP) is used to modify links within a data link protocol along with taking on designated responsibilities for decision making as it relates to bandwidth management. The protocol is designed for router implementation. As it relates to BAP, links can either be added to or removed from Point-to-Point (PPP) multilink bundles. BAP works in conjunction with Bandwith Allocation Control Protocol (BACP). BAP is necessary because multilinks have become more widespread and BAP provides a vigorous method for bandwidth management between two peers. BAC and BACP provides dynamic control mechanism over how the PPP Multilink protocol should function.

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Techopedia Explains Bandwidth Allocation Protocol

BAP defines call-control packets that monitor and maintain connections within telecommunications networks. Point-to-point protocol is the data link protocol that provides the connection between two nodes provided by a serial cable, phone line or other implementations. BAP delegates and permits two peers to manage the bandwidth allotment. This involves decisions based on the protocol as to whether to reduce or increase bandwidth. BAP also defines parameters, packets and negotiation procedures between the two peers managing the bandwidth links. The protocol helps guide the peer negotiation process in a professional and fair manner. For example, when link dropping is suggested by one peer to another, there is a formal process for that outlined in BAP called a link-drop query request. The peer, however, has the right to refuse the drop request.

The 1997 conception of BAP was set forth by Craig Richards of the Shiva Corporation and Kevin Smith of Ascend Communications, both based out of the the U.S.

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Margaret Rouse
Technology Expert
Margaret Rouse
Technology Expert

Margaret is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical business audience. Over the past twenty years, her IT definitions have been published by Que in an encyclopedia of technology terms and cited in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine, and Discovery Magazine. She joined Techopedia in 2011. Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages.