Network Control Protocol (NCP)

ARPANET included several protocols on the internet and NCP was one of them. NCP was a unidirectional or simplex protocol between two computers or devices. It provided user access and flow control to use computers and devices at remote locations and to transmit files between them. The NCP also allows protocols other than IP to use the serial link at the same time.

Network Control Protocol (NCP):

ARPANET began its development in the year 1966. Several standards were upgraded. Network Control Program (NCP) was responsible for communication between hosts and could support the first commands, on the other hand, Telnet and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) used packet-switching technology to communicate moreover Interface Message Processor was developed to pass messages between hosts. Network Control Protocol (NCP) was an early protocol that later evolved into the Internet. NCP got replaced by TCP/IP in the 1980s.

Layers in NCP:

NCP rendered a Transport Layer which included the ARPANET Host-to-Host Protocol (AHHP) and the Initial Connection Protocol (ICP). 

ARPANET Host-to-Host Protocol(AHHP) was a simple connection between two host computers.

Protocols in NCP:

Encryption Control Protocol (ECP): It is needed to configure, enable, disable, negotiate and control or maintain data encryption algorithms on both ends of the PP connection.

Compression Control Protocol (CCP): CCP is basically responsible for configuring, enabling, disabling, negotiating, and controlling or maintaining data compression algorithms on both ends of the PP connection.

Bridging Control Protocol (BCP): BCP is responsible for configuring, enabling, disabling, negotiating, and controlling or maintaining bridge control modules on both ends of the PP connection. It is similar to IPCP but rather than routing, it initializes bridging.

Network Control Protocol

Some examples NCPs are:

• Internet Protocol Control Protocol (IPCP): IPCP’s main task is the configuration of the IP addresses over a point-to-point link. LCP or Link control protocol and IPCP of them use exact packet exchange mechanisms.  
• OSI Network Layer Control Protocol (OSINLCP): OSI protocol modules are configured, enabled and disabled by OSINLCP on either end of the PPP link.
• Internetwork Packet Exchange Control Protocol (IPXCP): Internet Packet Exchange (IPX) modules on either end of the PPP link are configured, enabled, and disabled with the help of IPXCP.
• IPv6 Control Protocol (IPV6CP): It helps in the configuration of the IPv6 addresses it also enables and disables IP protocol modules over PPP.
• NetBIOS Frames Control Protocol (NBFCP): NBF protocol modules on either end of the PPP link are configured, enabled and disabled by NBFCP. 

Advantages:

• Network Configuration: NCP provides a standard protocol for configuring and maintaining network connections, which allows for easier and more consistent network management.
• Compatibility: NCP is designed to be compatible with multiple network types and technologies, including packet-switched, circuit-switched, and dedicated networks.
• Error Detection and Correction: NCP provides mechanisms for detecting and correcting errors in network connections, ensuring reliable and stable network performance.
• Flow Control: NCP provides flow control mechanisms to regulate the flow of data between the computer and the network, ensuring efficient and stable network performance.
• Compression: NCP can provide data compression, reducing the amount of data that needs to be transmitted over the network, increasing network efficiency and reducing network congestion.

Applications:

• Wide Area Networking: NCP can be used to configure and manage wide area network (WAN) connections, including leased lines, satellite links, and other long-distance connections.
• Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): NCP can be used to establish and manage virtual private network (VPN) connections, allowing for secure and private communication over public networks.
• Internet Service Providers (ISPs): NCP can be used by ISPs to manage network connections for customers, allowing for efficient and effective network management and maintenance.
• Network Management: NCP can be used for network management purposes, providing a standard protocol for monitoring, configuring, and maintaining network connections.