Re: [PATCH v2] Re: WAN: new PPP code for generic HDLC

[James Chapman]

Jeff Garzik wrote:
> Paul Fulghum wrote:
> > Krzysztof Halasa wrote:
> > > It's complex, I think kernel interface to generic HDLC would mean more
> > > code than PPP implementation required for fixed lines.
> > > Additional requirement - userspace daemon with additional plugin - may
> > > not be the best thing for fixed lines either.
> > >
> > > That would break backward compatibility, too.
> >
> > I maintain both pppd and generic HDLC PPP
> > interfaces for the synclink drivers.
> > I would like to have a single PPP implementation,
> > but what Krzysztof writes about compatibility and complexity
> > (both in coding and user configuration) is a real issue.
> >
> > Many customers who choose to use generic HDLC PPP are *dead*
> > set against the added complexity and (user space)
> > components of using pppd even though it has more features.
> > I say that having tried to persuade such users to use pppd.
> > The response is usually "support the simpler generic
> > HDLC PPP way of doing things or we will go elsewhere".
> > Others require the extra features of pppd.
> >
> > I understand customer desires are not always rational
> > or a primary concern when making these architectural
> > decisions, but I know forcing the extra complexity and
> > components of pppd on generic HDLC users will cause a
> > lot of anger and defections.

Are there technical reasons or is the complexity just a lack of familiarity?

> The fact that Krzysztof's solution was _small_ and _clean_ and easily 
> maintainable was the reason I merged it [into my tree].
>
> IMO sometimes "one size fits all" is not the best solution.

I guess what caught my eye is a PPP control protocol implementation 
being in the kernel. I'd seen syncppp before but I assumed it was there 
for legacy reasons. A while ago there seemed to be strong desire to move 
control protocols such as bridge spanning tree into userspace. Is this 
no longer the case?

--
James Chapman
Katalix Systems Ltd
http://www.katalix.com
Catalysts for your Embedded Linux software development

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