PPP is a networking method for transmitting data between two devices. It bridges the gap between physical connections and abstract network protocols, allowing the use of TCP/IP over point-to-point links. PPP relies on complementary protocols to function and can be used for various types of connections.
Point-to-point protocol (PPP) is a computer networking method for transmitting data between two computers or devices. PPP and its associated protocols are designed to bridge the gap between physical connections and more abstract network protocols such as Internet Protocol. It has advanced features designed to ensure quality, safety and performance. PPP is most commonly used for dial-up Internet connections, but can be used for other types of connections as well.
The most popular computer networking protocols, Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), rely on a lower physical network layer for connectivity. These protocols were designed with traditional computer networking technology such as Ethernet in mind. This became a problem as computers started being linked together in other ways. Unlike traditional networks where many computers are interconnected, serial connections and point-to-point links provide direct bridges between two machines. TCP/IP was not designed for this type of environment.
The point-to-point protocol solves this problem and allows the use of TCP/IP over point-to-point links. PPP “encapsulates” the individual units of data, called datagrams, produced by other network protocols. In their encapsulated form, the datagrams travel over a point-to-point link and are then converted back into standard TCP/IP datagrams for travel over traditional networks. A common example is a dial-up Internet connection, where a customer’s computer generates standard TCP/IP traffic, encapsulates it using PPP, and sends it over standard phone lines to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) server. At the end of the ISP, the encapsulated data becomes a standard datagram again and can travel across the Internet.
While the name implies a single protocol, point-to-point protocol relies on several complementary protocols to function. The Link Control Protocol (LCP) initiates and maintains PPP connections. Several protocols can be used for user authentication, including Password Authentication Protocol (PAP), Challenge-handshake Authentication Protocol (CHAP), and the newer Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP). Other protocols may enable encryption on a PPP connection or compress data to make the link more efficient. It is also possible to join two connections for higher bandwidth using the PPP Multilink protocol.
As noted, dial-up Internet connections often use point-to-point protocol as the basis for their operation. PPP was, however, designed to be flexible and can be used with other types of point-to-point connections. Internet connections on Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) systems sometimes use PPP, and Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) services use a slightly modified version known as point-to-point protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE). PPP isn’t even limited to TCP/IP; can encapsulate datagrams from many other network protocols, allowing for more advanced connections used in corporate settings.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
