What is Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol?
Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) is an industry standard protocol (defined in RFC 2637) that enables users to create and use virtual private networks (VPNs). Through VPN technologies such as PPTP, users can create secure connections to a remote network, even though the data may transit insecure networks like the Internet. (A good description of the technical underpinnings of PPTP is available from MSDN). Windows 2000 and Windows XP include native support for PPTP. In server versions, PPTP support is implemented as an option within the Routing and Remote Access Service (RAS). In workstation versions, PPTP support is built into the Remote Access Client. PPTP support is an optional component in Windows NT 4.0, Windows 98, Windows 98SE, and Windows ME. What’s PPTP control data? The data that constitutes a PPTP session can be categorized into two types – the data in the session, and the data about the session. Control data is the latter type of data. It’s exchanged between the clien
