MLPPP (Multi-Link Point-to-Point Protocol) is a protocol used to combine individual Internet connections. This allows you to aggregate bandwidth equal to the sum of the individual physical connections in order to increase the overall Internet speed. MLPPP also allows different types of Internet connections such as ADSL, wireless and cable, etc to be combined.
Usually there is only a single physical layer link between 2 devices. However, in the case of MLPPP there can be 2 or even more links between the same pair of devices. This is the concept behind ISP Bonding, where if an Internet connection between two devices is slow, a simple solution is to use another connection in parallel to double the performance and bandwidth capacity between the two devices.
In comparison to Internet Link Load Balancing, Internet bonding allows networks to use the total available bandwidth capacity of all the Internet connections instead of the bandwidth capacity of just a single connection. In Load Balancing, multiple connections to the Internet will have to be made in order to use all the connections. Whereas in Internet Bonding this is just a single connection that virtually connects them all.
As MLPPP is used for Internet bonding, all the bonded connections must originate and terminate at the same points to ensure that all the data transferred can be recombined before it reaches its destination. It is also necessary that the ISP has the appropriate software and hardware to support MLPPP.
MLPPP is a layer 2 technology and as such is transparent to layer 3 and above (namely TCP/IP). Unlike Internet Link Load Balancing which happens on layer 3 and uses two (or more) different IP addresses, MLPPP-based Internet Bonding will result in a single IP address being assigned to the network gateway. This ensures that any requests made to a server are seen to arrive from only one connection.
MLPPP is not restricted to any Internet technology, it is just a method of bonding multiple PPP links together, whether its ADSL, Cable or Dial up, etc.
However, there are also limitations to MLPPP. MLPPP is not supported by the BT Network. This therefore affects ISPs that use MLPPP to provide a Bonded Internet service to customers using BT’s network. If there are any problems with the service due to MLPPP then neither party will receive engineer support.
With the Xrio UBM it is also possible to combine different links together. For example, ADSL and SDSL; or even Leased Line, Cable and ADSL, etc. The Xrio UBM does not use MLPPP to bond Internet connections and is actually achieved with Xrio’s proprietary protocol.
Benefits of UBM Circuit Bonding
- Bond any type of connection
Combine exact or different types of Internet access technology, including, ADSL, ADSL2+, ADSL MAX, SDSL, Leased Lines, Cable, Dial-up, and ISDN, etc. - Reduce limitations of Internet technologies
Reduce the impact of contention ratios and distance of DSL connections to the local telephone exchange. - Aggregate multiple connections
Add new or extra Internet connections as your requirements determine without waiting for infrastructure developments or upgrades. - Higher bandwidth capacity
Increase the capacity of your customers Internet connections, to provide even greater speeds for their mission-critical applications. - Internet resilience
Ensure a continuous connection with no interruption to services. If an Internet connection fails, Xrio UBM will keep you connected through other active connections. - Scalability
Simply add (or remove) any type of Internet connection as you organisation needs change. - Cost effective
Bonding multiple low-cost ADSL connections for high speed and added resilience as an alternative to expensive leased line solutions.
Xrio UBM provides the following Bonded ADSL solutions:
- Client Bonding
The UBM bonds ISP connections from the organisation network to deliver higher bandwidth capacity to end users. - Datacentre Bonding
The UBM bonds ISP connections from the ISP side to deliver dedicated high bandwidth to multiple client organisations. - VPN Bonding
The UBM bonds multiple ISP connections between 2 or more sites to increase the speed and reliability of VPNs.
To purchase your UBM bonding solution and start optimising your bandwidth today, buy now or alternatively to find out more information please call 0845 644 3226 or email sales@xrio.com