What is point-to-point Ethernet?

What is point-to-point Ethernet?

Point-to-point (P2P) Ethernet is a private, direct connection between two network devices using Ethernet. Unlike traditional Ethernet networks that involve multiple devices connected via a hub or switch, P2P Ethernet directly connects two devices without using intermediary devices.

Typically, businesses use P2P Ethernet to provide secure, high-speed data transfer between offices, data centres or other critical network infrastructure. It’s often used to link sites to local area networks (LAN) or create wide area networks (WAN), including Metro Ethernet networks.

How does point-to-point Ethernet work?

A P2P Ethernet works by directly connecting two network devices, such as computers, servers, switches or storage devices.

Traditionally, the devices were connected with copper Ethernet cables for short-distance connections, such as within buildings or campus environments. Today, fibre optic cables are increasingly used to provide higher bandwidth connections over longer distances.

For example, at Neos Networks we provide Ethernet point-to-point connectivity between two locations via our high capacity fibre network, as shown below.

Point-to-point Ethernet – Neos Networks EPL

As there are no other devices on this connection and it doesn’t traverse the public internet, P2P Ethernet is inherently secure. With no other devices competing for bandwidth, it’s also a highly reliable, low latency connection.

In addition, P2P Ethernet supports a range of bandwidths, from Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) to 10 Gigabit Ethernet. That’s why it’s often deployed to connect critical network infrastructure where resilience, high capacity and low latency are crucial.

What are the advantages of point-to-point Ethernet?

P2P Ethernet offers several advantages over other types of connection for certain applications. Here are the main benefits.

High bandwidth

As P2P Ethernet is a dedicated line, it typically offers higher bandwidth than shared Ethernet connections. The whole bandwidth is available for data transfer between the network’s two endpoints.

Low latency

As mentioned above, a direct P2P link keeps latency to a minimum. This is crucial for tasks requiring real-time data transmission, like financial trading, video conferencing, cloud applications and emergency service networks.

Simplicity

Managing a dedicated point-to-point network can be simpler than multipoint networks. If a fault occurs, you have fewer devices and routes to troubleshoot.

Enhanced security

Unlike shared Ethernet connections, P2P Ethernet is an exclusive, direct connection that doesn’t cross the internet. No one else has access, so it’s inherently secure.

Reliability and Quality of Service (QoS)

Since P2P Ethernet connections don’t suffer from traffic congestion like shared networks, they’re typically more reliable. In addition, with a dedicated link, businesses can ensure Quality of Service (QoS) more efficiently, prioritising bandwidth for applications without competing with other users.

Cost efficiency

Ethernet point-to-point connections can be good value. For dedicated, high bandwidth connections between two locations, they can be more cost-effective than leased lines, depending on the specific application.

What is point-to-point Ethernet suitable for?

Ethernet point-to-point services are ideal for businesses that need secure, high bandwidth, low latency connectivity for real-time data transfers between two sites.

Typical applications of P2P Ethernet include:

• Data centre interconnects: Supporting high-speed data transfers and synchronisation between data centres
• Wide area networks (WANs): Connecting remote sites and regional offices to enterprise WANs
• Backup and recovery: Providing high capacity connectivity for real-time backups and recovery of data
• Cloud services: Connecting to cloud service providers for seamless access to cloud-based applications
• Real-time collaboration: Providing VoIP, video conferencing and other collaboration tools
• Financial trading: Ensuring ultra low latency connectivity for real-time transactions
• Manufacturing and IIoT: Supporting real-time data exchange for automated production processes
• Research and education: Connecting universities and research facilities to support high capacity data exchange

Is P2P Ethernet right for your business?

If you need a secure, high-bandwidth connection between two locations with low latency and high availability, an Ethernet point-to-point link could be ideal.

At Neos Networks, we provide high capacity Business Ethernet services across the UK. Connect your sites with Ethernet Private Line (EPL), a resilient P2P Ethernet service you can scale up to 10Gbps.

If you’re looking to connect more than one site to a central office, Ethernet Virtual Private Line (EVPL) point-to-multipoint Ethernet could work for you.

Learn more about EPL vs EVPL networks

Or if you need the flexibility of any-to-any connectivity, Virtual Private LAN Service (VPLS) could be ideal. VPLS links multiple sites in a single domain through IP routing or MPLS.

If you’d like to discuss which is better for your business, get in touch. We’ll be happy to make Ethernet work for your digital future.