What is PAP (Password Authentication Protocol)? | How Does It Work?

PAP (Password Authentication Protocol) is a way to make sure remote connections are safe. So, this method confirms your identity when you want to connect to an ISP network.

What Is PAP Protocol Providing Network Authentication?

PAP system checks if you’re allowed to use certain things. It was first explained in 1984. However, it works with something called PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol).

This system sends messages in a simple code that is not secure. That means the connection is not safe. PAP can manage if the remote access server doesn’t have a more robust method.

The way PAP works is like a friendly greeting. However, old SLIP systems send passwords as plain text, which is unsafe. You can use TTLS authentication as an easy solution to make things more secure.

How Does PAP Work?

The people who make computer stuff created PAP technology to help two devices share essential info. They also said it’s a particular way of talking that keeps things secret and safe.

When one device gets messages from another device in a PC network, it checks if the connecting device is actual and asks for important info. This helps the remote machine make sure that everything is okay and can be trusted.

PAP is an old way to verify identity. First, the Client shares login info in a packet. Then, it keeps sending requests until it gets proof.

Clearly, the PAP protocol follows a simple rule: It works on a straightforward concept.

1. Client Request: Firstly, users want to access networks or systems. Then, they ask for credentials like usernames and passwords.
2. Credentials Submission: The user sends credentials to the server first. Yet, this method sends info without encryption. Therefore, username and password data can be seen on the network.
3. Authentication: The server checks credentials against its records. If correct, it lets the user in.

So, the reason why the Client is not secure is because it sends credentials in plain text. In this case, bad actors can easily spy on and attack it.

PAP Protocol Advantages and Disadvantages

Authentication is vital in PC network communication. PAP is one way, but it has pros and cons, like any protocol.

Advantages

1. Simplicity

It is a straightforward authentication method to use. However, they will provide remote access; they must enter their username and password. Thus, it is simple for both clients and servers.

2. 2. Universality

PAP is good with many network protocols; no issues. Users use it on dial-up and older Wi-Fi networks. Thus, it works with existing infrastructures for authentication.

3. Ease of Debugging

A plus is easy debugging; users quickly find problems. This helps with faster troubleshooting when issues arise.

Disadvantages

1. Security Issues

The biggest problem with this protocol is security issues. Simply, it opens the door to attackers by not encrypting info.

2. Storage of Passwords

Servers store user passwords to help users access their accounts. But this can be dangerous for system security. If someone shouldn’t get in, they might mess up essential accounts.

3. A Backward Compatible Protocol

A long time ago, developers created PAP. But now, it doesn’t meet today’s security needs. That’s why you should use better methods.

PAP Protocol Usage Areas

Users have employed the PAP protocol in various applications. These include both past and present use cases. Here are some examples:

1. Dial-Up Connections

Users widely used this protocol in dial-up network connections at the time. In this type of transmission, they used telephone lines and thus provided access to the Internet.

However, users would use modems to connect to different places to confirm their dial-up credentials. These devices send info to ISPs, allowing approved access. During that time, people widely used the PAP protocol to establish the basic structure of the web.

2. DSL Modems

DSL modems use the PAP to provide broadband web access. Users verify their identity by entering their username and password. So, these devices then establish a connection by sending this info to the ISP server.

3. Wireless Networks

Some wireless networks authenticate the user with PAP. That is, it controls users who want to access these networks. However, they prefer the PAP method less because there are safer methods today.

4. Private Networks

Administrators can use PAP to reach out to users in specific private network setups. This enables authorized individuals to connect and access the network as needed.

Differences Between PAP and CHAP

PAP uses a simple way to log in. This means the remote system uses a username and password to prove who it is.

CHAP makes sure each login is unique. It uses a more innovative and safer way to control things. This includes the names of the Client and server using a one-way secret code method. So, CHAP is much safer than PAP because everything constantly changes.