Microsoft Point-to-Point Encryption (MPPE) is a protocol for encrypting data across
Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) and
virtual private network (VPN) links. It uses the RSA
RC4
encryption algorithm. MPPE supports 40-bit, 56-bit and 128-bit session
keys, which are changed frequently to improve security. The exact
frequency that the keys are changed is negotiated, but may be as
frequent as every packet.
MPPE alone does not compress or expand data, but the protocol is often used in conjunction with
Microsoft Point-to-Point Compression which compresses data across PPP or VPN links.
Negotiation of MPPE happens within the Compression Control Protocol
(CCP), a subprotocol of PPP. This can lead to incorrect belief that it
is a compression protocol.