You know what it is Internet Protocol over Ethernet (IPoE)🇧🇷 Given the popularization of this protocol, it is likely so. However, if you have any doubts about this, read this post.
Here, we will introduce not only what Internet Protocol over Ethernet is, but also how it works and its main benefits. So be sure to check it out. Good reading!
What is Internet Protocol over Ethernet (IPoE)?
The Internet Protocol over Ethernet, also known by the acronym IPoE, is a protocol that forwards IP packets over Ethernet access networks. In other words, this technique encapsulates IP datagrams in ethernet frames, based on the RFC 894 specification.
It is worth mentioning that this protocol necessarily depends, in practical cases, on the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), which can be a limitation in some cases. So an alternative would be to use PPPoE. The acronym refers to Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet, or Point-to-Point Protocol via Ethernet, in Portuguese.
By the way, check out an analysis we did on our Blog about DCHP or PPPoE connection: where to use each.
IPoE is a common technique, perhaps the most used in Brazil, which is normally used to establish a connection between distant servers. However, it is established over an ethernet connection, which does not support the user authentication process.
It operates with a kind of point-to-point connection. Therefore, if errors occur in this protocol, the network may suffer from access problems or even completely lose access to the Internet.
How does Internet Protocol over Ethernet work?
We can explain how the Internet Protocol over Ethernet works in a few simple steps. Look:
Step 1: Subscriber Identification
First of all, IPoE is a protocol that needs credentials to establish a connection. Thus, it does not require any identification of the subscriber, as this is done through the IP address.
Step 2: Subscriber Authentication
As we said, IPoE does not have the login function so that your subscriber can access the system/technology. However, it makes use of the physical connection so that the subscriber can check the services available, such as ports and VLAN, between others.
Step 3: IPoE address
In the third step, the IPoE protocol user accepts a DHCP request message from broadcast, which is sent by the servers. After the message is accepted, DHCP confirms the IPoE address assignment.
This process, that is to say, can be changed if the DHCP server is located on another network.
Step 4: IPoE control and/or monitoring/renewal
The renewal and monitoring process in IPoE is powered by the ability of the DHCP server to be used as a keep-alive mechanism.
Advantages and disadvantages of IPoE
As with any protocol or technique, there are advantages and disadvantages that are worth knowing in order to make a safe decision. With that in mind, we have created this topic to present the main ones. Look:
Benefits
Simplicity
One of the main advantages of IPoE is its simplicity, or rather, its ease of implementation. As we can see, it is super easy to apply this technology in a company with the use of a DHCP server.
Supports streaming multicast
We can still say that it is a strategy that is capable of supporting transmission multicast.
For those who don't know yet, multicast is a method or technique that can be used to transmit a data packet to several destinations simultaneously. In this way, in a transmission multicast, the transmitter sends the data packet only once, and the receivers are responsible for capturing the transmission and reproducing it.
One of the main advantages of transmission multicast is right in the broadband economy to send data or exchange data between a server and its clients. Thus, the company can save by using the IPoE protocol.
Efficiency and cost-effectiveness
One of the advantages of IPoE is that it consumes fewer resources on the equipment and offers a better communication multicast on the network.
However, it is still essential to submit the network to a detailed analysis before applying this protocol, since it also has some disadvantages, as you will see below.
Disadvantages
As a coin, there is always a side that must also be seen for the IT manager to make a solid and correct decision. Regarding the disadvantages, we can highlight a few:
DHCP Dependency
The use of IPoE is a technique that necessarily depends on DHCP technology for large scale operation. In this way, this can be seen as a problem, because if any kind of incident occurs, the IPoE protocol can be compromised.
PPPoE x IPoE
Although the main objective of the text in question is to provide information about the IPoE protocol, it is worth knowing it with the PPPoE protocol as a parameter.
So, for that, we list below some functions presented by both protocols and the performance of each one in relation to such functions.
Practicality
In this regard, IPoE comes out ahead. Unlike PPPoE, it does not require the use of software to dial the customer. It is capable of authenticating users from their physical location (which can be gauged through a unique VLAN ID / PVC ID).
Thus, with its use, login and password are not required for users to access the Internet.
dialing software
Both protocols also differ on this point. While PPPoE requires dialing software in order to function properly, IPoE does not require such technology, which makes it super simple.
In fact, many of its subscribers may face difficulties such as constant drops and reconnections of clients with PPPoE due to the manufacturers' original firmware. This poor performance and instability, which affects your customer's experience, can be easily resolved with our flashbox solution🇧🇷 Want to know how?
Very simple. With our Flashbox firmware installed on your client, you will have full control over the connection and avoid these drops and reconnections due to PPPoE.
Each customer has a different need
Given what has been presented, we can better understand what IPoE is and how this solution works. We also saw that, in some points, it is a technique that stands out compared to PPPoE.
However, each company presents different challenges in terms of network, equipment and infrastructure needs. Therefore, the choice of the best solution must always be made on a case-by-case basis, considering the specific needs of the business.
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