control procedure

Control methods are protocols that are based on the link layer and initialize and terminate a connection between the communication partners. Depending on the connection type, whether point-to-point connection or multipoint connection, a distinction is made between contention mode and call mode or between character-oriented and bit-oriented control methods. In the case of character-oriented methods, the control and protocol functions are byte-encrypted, while in the case of bit-oriented methods they are bit-encrypted.

According to DIN 66019, the IA-5 alphabet is prescribed as the transmission code for character-oriented control methods. In practice, however, the EBCDIC code is frequently used. The standardized character-oriented control procedures are internationally referred to as "Basic Mode Control Procedure for Data Communication Systems". Character-oriented procedures include Binary Synchronous Communication( BSC) and the Medium Speed Version ( MSV).

Bit-oriented control procedures are code-transparent. The control function for data transmission is bit-coded and therefore code-independent. A transmission code is specified for the coding of the data characters, depending on the system and also on the application. The standardized bit-oriented control methods are internationally called High Level Data Link Control( HDLC). Manufacturer-specific versions are Synchronous Data Link Control( SDLC) from IBM, Byte Data Link Controller (BDLC) from Burroughs and Universal Link Control (UDLC) from Unisys. In addition, there are various HDLC procedures. The best known of these are the LAP protocols, Link Access Procedure (LAP).

Control procedures are characterized by link establishment and disconnection, flow control, error detection and correction, and transparent transfer of user data.