Point of presence

A point of presence (PoP) is an artificial demarcation point or network interface point between communicating entities. A common example is an ISP point of presence, the local access point that allows users to connect to the Internet with their Internet service provider (ISP).^[1] A PoP typically houses servers, routers, network switches, multiplexers, and other network interface equipment, and is typically located in a data center. ISPs typically have multiple PoPs. PoPs are often located at Internet exchange points and colocation centres.^[2]

In the US, this term became important during the court-ordered breakup of the Bell Telephone system. A point of presence was a location where a long-distance carrier (IXC) could terminate services and provide connections into a local telephone network (LATA).^[3]

See also

• Content delivery network
• Web cache
• Meet-me room

References

1. "Definition of Point of Presence (POP) in Network Encyclopedia". networkencyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2020-01-02.
2. Fernandes, James (2005). Academic Dictionary Of Internet. Isha Books. p. 316. ISBN 9788182052680.
3. Freeman, Roger (2005). Fundamentals of Telecommunications. Wiley. p. 16. doi:10.1002/0471720941.ch1. ISBN 978-0471710455.