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Difference between Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP) and Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP)

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The main difference between the Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP) and Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) is that Serial Line Internet Protocol is the Predecessor protocol of Point-to-Point Protocol. On the other hand, Point-to-Point Protocol is the Successor protocol of Serial Line Internet Protocol. 

 

Features of SLIP:

  • Simple: SLIP is a simple protocol that does not include any error detection or correction mechanisms.
  • Efficient: SLIP is an efficient protocol that does not include any unnecessary overhead, which makes it ideal for low-bandwidth connections.
  • Supported by many operating systems: SLIP is supported by many operating systems, including Windows and Linux.
  • Used for point-to-point connections: SLIP is used to establish a point-to-point connection between two network devices. 

 Features of PPP:

  • Authentication: PPP includes authentication mechanisms such as Password Authentication Protocol (PAP) and Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol (CHAP) to ensure secure communication.
  • Error detection and correction: PPP uses error detection and correction mechanisms such as CRCs and acknowledgments to ensure the integrity of the transmitted data.
  • Network layer protocol independence: PPP is independent of the network layer protocol being used, making it compatible with various network protocols.
  • Multilink support: PPP supports multilink connections, which allow multiple physical connections to be combined to increase the data transmission rate.

Similarities between SLIP and PPP:

  • Both are used to establish a point-to-point connection between two network devices.
  • Both are widely used in various communication systems and have been standardized by international organizations.
  • Both are used for transmitting data over serial connections.
  • Both can be used with a variety of networking hardware, including modems and serial cables.

Let’s see the difference between SLIP and PPP:

Parameters SLIP PP
Stands for SLIP stands for Serial Line Internet Protocol. PPP stands for Point-to-Point Protocol.
Basics SLIP is a deprecated protocol that is still in use in some places like IBM OS. PPP is a successor protocol that accomplishes the same goal but adds a few more capabilities.
Predecessor / Successor SLIP is a Predecessor protocol of PPP. PPP is a Successor protocol of SLIP.
Encloses SLIP encloses the Internet Protocol (IP) packet. PPP encloses the datagram.
Authentication SLIP does not provide authentication. PPP provides two-way authentication.
Derived protocol The derived Protocol from SLIP is Compressed SLIP. While the derived protocol from PPP is PPP over Ethernet and PPP over ATM.
IP address assignment SLIP is a static IP addressing assignment. PPP is a dynamic IP addressing assignment.
Data transfer type In SLIP data is transferred in synchronous form. While in this, data is transferred in both synchronous and asynchronous form.
Supported Protocols It works only with TCP/IP. There is no method to indicate protocol type because it lacks a type field. As a result, SLIP cannot be utilized to perform numerous protocol functions. It can be used with multiple protocols.
Error detection or compression It does not support error detection or compression. It offers error detection (using checksum to detect transmission errors) or compression.
Transmission Each packet is simply given an end character by SLIP. PPP adds a header and padding information at the end of a packet before sending it.
When to use it? SLIP can be used in the applications where PPP is not much required to be used because of its minimal overhead. PPP should be used only in those applications where it is required otherwise it is a waste of bandwidth as header and padding will always be associated with packet sending. 
Auto-configure settings  SLIP requires the settings to be coded in advance in order to make a successful connection.  PPP can auto-configure its connection parameters during initialization. The whole process works in the following way- firstly, the client and host converse, and then they agree on the appropriate parameters to use. In this way,  most settings do not need to be input manually, auto-configuration makes setup much easier.

Conclusion :

SLIP and PPP are both protocols used for communication over serial connections, but they differ in several key aspects, including authentication, network layer protocols, error detection and correction, frame size, flexibility, and compatibility. While SLIP is a simpler and more lightweight protocol, PPP is more modern and offers more features, such as authentication and support for multiple network layer protocols.


Last Updated : 29 Mar, 2023
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