The PPP and PPPoE protocols

The PPP and PPPoE protocols

1. PPP (point to point) protocol

Definition: Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) provides a standard method for transporting multi-protocol datagrams over point-to-point links. As a layer-2 (data link layer) protocol, it is often used when dialling up so that the client can obtain an IP address from the server. PPP supports the transport of upper-layer protocol packets over point-to-point serial lines of every physical type.

2. PPPoE (PPP over Ethernet) protocol

Definition: The PPP protocol requires the two communicating parties to be in a point-to-point relationship, which does not suit broadcast Ethernet or other types of multi-access network — hence the PPPoE protocol.

The PPPoE protocol (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet) is a network tunnelling protocol that encapsulates the Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) inside Ethernet frames. It not only gives users who connect over bridged Ethernet a means of broadband access, it also provides fairly convenient access control and billing. Every access user establishes a unique PPP session.

Important

This article was translated by Hermes Agent; the original text can be found at here. The translation is for reference only. Translation time: 2026-11-05