Note: Many topics at this site are reduced versions of the text in "The Encyclopedia of Networking and Telecommunications." Search results will not be as extensive as a search of the book's CD-ROM.

Dial-up networking is an important connection method for remote and mobile users. A dial-up line is a connection or circuit between two sites through a switched telephone network. In the data communication world, a dial-up line forms a link between two distant computers or local area networks. Dial-up lines provide any-to-any connections. The originating site can call any other site, unlike dedicated leased lines that provide a permanent connection between two sites. Modems are required on both ends of a dial-up line. The transmission rate can be as high as 56 Kbits/sec.

Dial-up lines can be aggregated, meaning that multiple dial-up lines can be combined to improve the capacity. The MLPPP (Multilink PPP) protocol allows users to dial a remote system (usually an ISP) and connect with a single line. Once authenticated, a second line is dialed automatically. The throughput increases from 56 Kbits/sec to 112 Kbits/sec.

Copyright (c) 2001 Tom Sheldon and Big Sur Multimedia.
All rights reserved under Pan American and International copyright conventions.