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

SLIP and PPP, which are the widely used serial connection techniques, help to connect the distant devices of the network. The fullform of SLIP is Session Layer Internetworking Protocol. SLIP being a primitive protocol put into use during the early connections to the Internet, when there was not much overhead. PPP is slightly more complex as the protocol, in addition to data encapsulation, has such functions as authentication, checksum, and protocol identification. In this article, we will see SLIP and PPP protocols in detail.  

What is SLIP? 

The SLIP is short for the Serial Line Internet Protocol and is actually a very rudimentary one that enables any IP packets to be sent over a serial port. It was conceived as a natural sequence to how the IP datagrams should be forwarded across a point-to-point serial link. As much as it is known and documented, SLIP is relatively simple and compact and therefore is well suited for use.

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.

Advantages of SLIP 

• Small coverage in which high volumes of information can be transmitted with a measure of economy over low-speed networks. 
• Ease of implementation; this is one of the major strengths of SLIP considering the fact that it is relatively easy to implement and use in a simple network. 

Disadvantages of SLIP 

• It also provides no evidence of authentication, error detection, or correction and is very slow. 
• This device supports only the fixed type of the IP addressing and can be applied only to the TCP/IP protocol.

What is PPP? 

Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) is a more advanced and generalized protocol than that of SLIP, having some additional features such as authentication, error control, and the protocol of network layer independence. It is most sought-after for setting up end-to-end channels over the serial link joined in a range of networking settings. 

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.

Advantages of PPP 

• Sustains communications with protection methods such as authentication. 
• Dynamic IP addresses can be provided with ease and with high capacity, flexibility, and easy configuration. 
• Facilitates error control, making it possible for the receiver to detect errors and get assistance to correct them, hence reliable data transmission. 

Disadvantages of PPP 

• Hierarchy is richer and therefore has more overhead than SLIP, which can be a nuisance in low bandwidth networks. 
• Slightly slower than other types of data because of the additional functionalities that it supports, such as authentication and error checking.

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.

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

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.