---
name: "ppp"
section: "4"
platform: "openbsd"
package: "man"
version: "8.0-current-20261101"
release: "OpenBSD 8.0-current (2026-11-01)"
platforms: ["linux", "openbsd"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/ppp/4"
---

# ppp(4)

Point-to-Point Protocol network interface

## NAME

**ppp** – Point-to-Point Protocol network interface

## SYNOPSIS

**pseudo-device ppp**

## DESCRIPTION

The **ppp** interface allows serial lines to be used as network interfaces using the *Point-to-Point* *Protocol* (PPP).

A **ppp** interface can be created at runtime using the **ifconfig** **ppp***N* **create** command or by setting up a [hostname.if(5)](/hostname.if/5.md) configuration file for [netstart(8)](/netstart/8.md).

## DIAGNOSTICS

- ppp0: afX not supported

  The interface was handed a message with addresses formatted in an unsuitable address family; the packet was dropped.

## SEE ALSO

[inet(4)](/inet/4.md), [pppoe(4)](/pppoe/4.md), [pppx(4)](/pppx/4.md), [hostname.if(5)](/hostname.if/5.md), [ifconfig(8)](/ifconfig/8.md), [netstart(8)](/netstart/8.md), [pppd(8)](/pppd/8.md), [pppstats(8)](/pppstats/8.md)

## STANDARDS

W. Simpson, *The Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP)*, RFC 1661, July 1994.

## HISTORY

The **ppp** device appeared in OpenBSD 1.2.