N O V A T E L W I R E L E S S T E C H N O L O G I E S L T D .
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A T C o m m a n d S p e c i f i c a t i o n - E x p e d i t e a n d M e r l i n
W i r e l e s s I P M o d e m s
Point to Point Protocol (PPP)
Description:
The command to enter Point to Point Protocol mode (PPP) is used when an external stack configuration is
needed. PPP is useful if the stack resides in the host computer, providing multiple sessions and complete
control over all aspects of each session. PPP is quickly becoming the new standard for dial-in-networking.
PPP provides more flexibility and less items that need to be explicitly set.
The PPP session is usually controlled by DTR, unless the modem has been configured to ignore DTR by
programming register S211. DTR, when used, must be asserted to initiate a session and de-asserted to
terminate a session. If the modem has been programmed not to use DTR Control, then the command
AT\APPP can be sent without asserting DTR. To exit PPP in this case, the host must either power down
the modem or use the escape sequence. To terminate a PPP session, DTR must be de-asserted or the
escape sequence can be activated or the modem can be powered down.
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Format:
AT\APPP
The command to enter PPP Mode
The response will be
CONNECT or ERROR
The alternate command to use is
SERVER
The response will be
CLIENT
Validity:
PPP can only be entered from Command Mode. In Program or Diagnostic modes, the modem is not
actively connected to the network.
Other Considerations:
While a modem can enter PPP mode from command mode at any time, the intent of PPP is to connect to
the network. Until there is a network connection established and the modem has registered, it is better to
delay entering PPP mode as you may report errors that will only persist until the modem registers. It is
generally recommended that the host check the status of the modem before proceeding with a PPP
connection. The Status can be checked using the “ATS57?” command.
An alternate method of entering PPP mode is to send the word CLIENT to the modem. The modem will
respond with SERVER. This is NOT an AT command. It is neither preceded by an "AT" nor succeeded
by a CR. Exiting PPP mode is performed using the DTR control signal.
Related Topics:
SLIP Mode, DTR Control, Program Mode, Data Mode, Diagnostic Mode. Checking Status