printer access protocol (AppleTalk) (PAP)

The Printer Access Protocol (PAP) is a proprietary, network-enabled printer protocol from Apple, for controlling a printer.

The Printer Access Protocol is located on the communication control layer and the application layer of the AppleTalk protocol stack. It works under Mac OS and Mac OS X as well as under other operating systems and network operating systems like NetWare, under which a PAP server exists. The communication between computer and printer is bidirectional and can transfer all printer data and binary image data. Printer settings, equipment features, and status and error conditions, can be transmitted to the computer via the bidirectional connection.

The Printer Access Protocol is a somewhat older protocol, which is derived from the Line Printer Protocol( LPR) and the