What protocol is commonly used for WAN access in MikroTik devices?

PPP, or Point-to-Point Protocol, is a widely used protocol for WAN (Wide Area Network) access in MikroTik devices. It is designed to establish a direct connection between two networking nodes. PPP is particularly effective for dial-up connections and is frequently utilized for Ethernet over DSL, fiber connections, and other types of point-to-point links. Its ability to encapsulate multiple network layer protocols makes it versatile, supporting both IPv4 and IPv6.

In addition to basic data link functionality, PPP provides several features such as error detection, compression, and authentication capabilities (like PAP and CHAP), which enhance security and performance for WAN connections. This makes it a preferred choice for ISPs and businesses looking to establish reliable connections over various types of networks.

While the other protocols have their respective roles in networking, they are not typically used for WAN access in the context of MikroTik devices. HTTP is primarily for web traffic, RIP is a routing protocol used for managing router information within a local network, and ICMP is used for diagnostic purposes, such as ping commands, rather than establishing WAN connections.