Connection Point Services (CPS) was a crucial part of Internet Connection Services for Microsoft Remote Access Service (RAS). This article aims to explore its functionalities, historical significance, and understand the myriad terminologies around the acronym “CPS” in the networking field.
1. What was the Connection Point Services?
Connection Point Services was a component of Internet Connection Services for Microsoft Remote Access Service (RAS) that provided users with a central location for managing and distributing network access numbers.
2. Core Components
Phone Book Service
Originally, this service downloaded a phone book by comparing it with those stored in the CPS database. It ensured that users had the most current directory of network access numbers.
Phone Book Administrator
This component allowed the creation and editing of phone books. It was possible to maintain both public and private phone books and post information to the Phone Book Service.
3. How CPS worked
CPS automatically checked a subscriber’s phone book and performed updates if required. It could also merge a corporate phone book of network access numbers with phone books from an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
4. Relevance Today
Although CPS is now considered an outdated technology, understanding its mechanics can provide insights into the evolution of network management tools and services.
5. CPS in Networking
The acronym CPS in networking has many meanings. Here are some of the most common:
CPS as Connection Point Services
In the Microsoft RAS context, CPS was primarily used for phone book management.
CPS as Cycles Per Second
In older networking literature, CPS could also refer to “Cycles Per Second,” which is now more commonly referred to as Hertz (Hz).
CPS as Control Plane Security
In modern networking, CPS could stand for Control Plane Security, a feature crucial for securing networking infrastructures.
CPS as Cloud Provisioning Services
CPS is also an acronym for Cloud Provisioning Services, relating to the allocation of cloud resources.
6. Conclusion
While Connection Point Services may not be in use today, it holds historical significance in the development of network services. Its initial role in phone book administration demonstrates the changing landscape of network management.