What is MLPPP?

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MLPPP (Multilink Point-to-Point Protocol) is the protocol that bundles multiple serial wan links into a one Logical Bundle. As a name, PPP Multilink, MLP and MP are also used for MLPPP (Multilink Point-to-Point Protocol). Here, we will learn the theorical parts, to learn How to Configure MLPPP on Cisco devices, you can also view MLPPP Configuration lesson.

There can be multiple PPP serial links between two nodes. With MLPPP, these links are bundled and become a single logical link.

PPP Multilink Load Balancing

In PPP Multilink, Load Balancing is used between the member links of the Logical Link. The traffic is shared between ea linkh of these links. Load Balancing is used with fragmentation in MLPPP.

PPP Multilink Fault Tolerance

MLPPP provide Fault Tolerance with multiple links to the same destination. If one of the links between the nodes fails, the link stays up and the communication continues. With this mechanism, MLPPP also provide redundacy between links.

Easiness in Layer 3

The Layer 3 configuration, IP configurations and Routing Protocol configurations are done on the Logical interface of PPP Multilink. So, MLPPP provides also a Layer 3 configuration easiness.

MLPPP Fragmentation

In MLPPP (PPP Multilink) , packet fragmentation is also supported beside load balancing. With packet fragmentation, the packets that are fragmented are sent at the same time in different members of the Logical Bundle.

Here, if the coming packet has MLPPP Header, it is fragmentad and sequenced and at the other end it is reassembled. If it is not, the packet is not sequenced and send only as first come first sent.