BEEP
Encyclopedia
In computer network
ing, BEEP (Blocks Extensible Exchange Protocol) is a framework for creating network application protocols. It includes an application protocol kernel
for connection-oriented asynchronous interactions, and can be used both for binary and text messages within the context of a single application user identity.
BEEP is intended to abstract-out the common features that have traditionally been duplicated in each protocol implementation. BEEP (formerly called BXXP) typically runs on top of TCP
and allows the exchange of messages called 'frames'. Unlike HTTP
(and similar protocols), either end of the connection can send a frame at any time, and 'questions' and 'replies' can be interleaved easily. BEEP also includes facilities for encryption
and authentication
, and is highly extensible.
BEEP was designed by Marshall Rose
, who also worked on the POP3, SMTP, and SNMP protocols.
Computer network
A computer network, often simply referred to as a network, is a collection of hardware components and computers interconnected by communication channels that allow sharing of resources and information....
ing, BEEP (Blocks Extensible Exchange Protocol) is a framework for creating network application protocols. It includes an application protocol kernel
Kernel (computing)
In computing, the kernel is the main component of most computer operating systems; it is a bridge between applications and the actual data processing done at the hardware level. The kernel's responsibilities include managing the system's resources...
for connection-oriented asynchronous interactions, and can be used both for binary and text messages within the context of a single application user identity.
BEEP is intended to abstract-out the common features that have traditionally been duplicated in each protocol implementation. BEEP (formerly called BXXP) typically runs on top of TCP
Transmission Control Protocol
The Transmission Control Protocol is one of the core protocols of the Internet Protocol Suite. TCP is one of the two original components of the suite, complementing the Internet Protocol , and therefore the entire suite is commonly referred to as TCP/IP...
and allows the exchange of messages called 'frames'. Unlike HTTP
Hypertext Transfer Protocol
The Hypertext Transfer Protocol is a networking protocol for distributed, collaborative, hypermedia information systems. HTTP is the foundation of data communication for the World Wide Web....
(and similar protocols), either end of the connection can send a frame at any time, and 'questions' and 'replies' can be interleaved easily. BEEP also includes facilities for encryption
Encryption
In cryptography, encryption is the process of transforming information using an algorithm to make it unreadable to anyone except those possessing special knowledge, usually referred to as a key. The result of the process is encrypted information...
and authentication
Authentication
Authentication is the act of confirming the truth of an attribute of a datum or entity...
, and is highly extensible.
BEEP was designed by Marshall Rose
Marshall Rose
Marshall T. Rose is a network protocol and software engineer, author and speaker who has contributed to the Internet Engineering Task Force , the Internet, and Internet and network applications. More specifically, he has specialized in:...
, who also worked on the POP3, SMTP, and SNMP protocols.
External links
- Introduction to BEEP at IBM.com
- RFC 3080 The Blocks Extensible Exchange Protocol Core
- RFC 3081 Mapping the BEEP Core onto TCP
- RFC 3117 On the Design of Application Protocols, design considerations of the BXXP protocol as told by its creators