Suggest an editImprove this articleRefine the answer for “What is point-to-point (P2P)?”. Your changes go to moderation before they’re published.Approval requiredContentWhat you’re changing🇺🇸EN🇺🇦UAPreviewTitle (EN)Short answer (EN)**Point-to-point (P2P)** is a direct connection between two devices, where traffic travels over a dedicated channel only between those two nodes. **Key point:** because only two devices use the channel, there are no collisions or competition for bandwidth, which gives predictable performance.Shown above the full answer for quick recall.Answer (EN)Image**Point-to-point (P2P)** is a *direct connection between two devices*, where traffic travels over a dedicated channel only between these two nodes. Short phrasing for the interview: > **A point-to-point connection is a communication channel that directly connects two devices with no intermediate nodes.** --- ## Main characteristics of P2P #### 1. Only two devices participate in the channel There are no switches, hubs, or routers (unless they are the endpoints themselves). For example: - PC ↔ PC - Router ↔ router - Switch ↔ switch - Antenna ↔ antenna --- #### 2. The channel is dedicated Unlike "point-to-multipoint", the P2P channel is used by **only two** devices, so: - there are no collisions, - there is no competition for bandwidth, - performance is predictable. --- #### 3. Simple routing logic A packet always goes in one of two directions: there or back. --- ## Where P2P connections are used ### 1. In wired networks - an Ethernet connection between two devices over a cable - a direct connection between two switches (uplink) - a connection between two routers in a WAN channel Example: Two provider routers connected by a fiber-optic line - a classic point-to-point. --- ### 2. In wireless networks Often used in outdoor Wi-Fi systems: - two directional antennas create a P2P radio bridge between buildings - it provides high speed over long distances Example: Connecting two offices via a Wi-Fi "bridge". --- ### 3. In telephony and older transmission channels The P2P principle was used: - in leased lines, - in PPP/HDLC channels (WAN protocols). --- ## P2P vs Point-to-Multipoint (PTMP) | Type | Description | Example | |---|---|---| | **Point-to-Point** | 2 devices, a dedicated channel | a bridge between two buildings | | **Point-to-Multipoint** | 1 central device and several clients | a Wi-Fi access point with many devices | --- ## Example of a precise interview answer > **Point-to-point is a type of connection in which two devices are connected directly over a dedicated channel.** > **Traffic travels only between these two nodes, which provides low latency, no competition for the channel, and simple routing.** > **Examples: a connection between two routers in a WAN, a radio bridge between buildings, a direct Ethernet connection between two devices.** --- ## Cheat sheet - P2P = two devices ↔ a direct channel. - No third nodes. - A clean, predictable channel with no collisions. - Used in WAN, radio bridges, uplinks. - The opposite is point-to-multipoint.For the reviewerNote to the moderator (optional)Visible only to the moderator. Helps review go faster.