What is Point-to-Point?
Point-to-Point (PPP) is a computer network method for transferring data between two computers or devices. PPP and its accompanying protocols are designed to bridge the gap between physical connections and more abstract network protocols such as the Internet protocol. It has advanced features to ensure quality, security and performance. PPP is most often used to connect to the Internet, but can also be used for other types of connection. These protocols were designed with regard to traditional computer network technology such as Ethernet. This has become a problem when computers began to connect to each other in other ways. Unlike traditional networks where many computers are interconnected, serial connections and links of Point-to-Point provide direct bridges between two machinery. TCP/IP has not been designed for this type of environment.
POINT-to-Point protocol solves this problem and allows you to use TCP/IP via ODams Point-to-Point. PPP "encapsulates" individual data units called datagrams produced by other network protocols. In their encapsulated form, datagrams travel via Point-to-Point link and are then converted back to standard TCP/IP datagrams for traveling on traditional networks. A common example is an Internet connection where customer's computer generates standard TCP/IP operation, encapsulates it via PPP and sends it via standard Internet service provider (ISP). At the end of ISP, the encapsulated data will become a standard datagram and can travel over the Internet.
Although the name means a single protocol, the point-to-point is dependent on several accompanying protocols on operate. LCP (LCP) initiates and maintains PPP connection. Several protocols can be used to authenticate users, including a password authentication protocol, a report on the authentication of the BAPS-Shakes Authentication Protocol (BAP) and the newer expandable verificationprotocol (EAP). Other protocols can allow encryption via PPP connection or compress data to increase efficiency. Two connections can even be combined for a larger bandwidth using PPP Multilink.
As mentioned, dial-up Internet connection often uses point-to-point as the basis for their operation. However, PPP has been designed to be flexible and can be used with other types of connection to the point. Internet Connections Over Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) sometimes use PPP and Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) use a slightly modified version known as Point-to-Point above Ethernet (PPPPOE). PPP is not limited to TCP/IP EITHER; It can encapsulate datagrams from many other network protocols, allowing more advanced connections used in business settings.