{{other, Multilink (disambiguation)
The MultiLink Procedure (MLP) (Subscription-time selectable option) exists as an added upper sublayer of the
data link layer
The data link layer, or layer 2, is the second layer of the seven-layer OSI model of computer networking. This layer is the protocol layer that transfers data between nodes on a network segment across the physical layer. The data link layer ...
, operating between the packet layer and a multiplicity of
single data link protocol function
Single may refer to:
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Songs
* "Single" (Natasha Bedingfield song), 2004
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s (SLPs) in the data link layer. A MultiLink Procedure (MLP) must perform the functions of accepting packets from the Packet Layer, distributing those packets across the available DCE or DTE SLPs for transmission to the DTE or DCE SLPs, respectively, and resequencing the packets received from the DTE or DCE SLPs for delivery to the DTE or DCE Packet Layer, respectively.
MLP is an extension of
LAPB
Link Access Procedure, Balanced (LAPB) implements the data link layer as defined in the X.25 protocol suite. LAPB is a bit-oriented protocol derived from HDLC that ensures that frames are error free and in the correct sequence. LAPB is specifie ...
that allows for multiple physical links, thus providing better throughput. A device that has multiple LAPB links will implement MLP as an upper-layer management protocol to allocate
frames
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*Framing (co ...
to the links. MLP sees the multiple LAPB links as a pool of links for transmitting information from higher-layer protocols as frames. Higher-level software does not need to be aware that multiple links exist. The MLP layer handles distributing frames among the links, and thus gives upper layers full access to the links.