A point-to-point connection refers to a communications connection between two nodes or endpoints.
An example is a telephone call, in which one telephone is connected with one other, and what is said by one caller can only be heard by the other. This is contrasted with a point-to-multipoint or broadcast communication topology, in which many nodes can receive information transmitted by one node. Other examples of point-to-point communications links are leased lines, microwave relay links, and two way radio. Examples of point-to-multipoint communications systems are radio and television broadcasting.
The Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) is used for establishing direct connectivity between two network nodes. It authenticates the connections, compresses, transmits after encryption thereby providing privacy. PPP is primarily designed for linking two networks and transporting IP packets between the two. The links are capable of providing simultaneous bi-directional functions, delivering data packets in a specific order. This protocol is a common solution to easily connect diverse types of hosts, bridges, and routers.
As with many technologies, there are few setbacks in using point-to-point links too. The main reason is that point-to-point links intensify the existing issues with network protocols. Assigning and managing IP addresses is complex when performed over circuit-switched point-to-point links such as dial-up-modem servers. However, these problems are handled by NCPs particular to requirements of the respective network-layer protocols.
Optimized technology solutions that increase WAN performance are the current necessity. There are proven technology vendors that offer WAN optimization solutions and products that provide highest levels of reliability, security, and bandwidth management. This technology allows varied connections to ISPs, taking disparate connections and performing dynamic load balancing and failover functions. These devices do not need BGP programming.
