IPOP (IP-over-P2P)

What is IPOP (IP-over-P2P)?

IPOP (IP-over-P2P) is an open-source user-centric software virtual network that enables end users to define and create their own virtual private networks (VPNs). The software provides end-to-end tunneling of IP or Ethernet traffic over "TinCan" links, which are set up and managed through a control API to create various software-defined VPN overlays. IPOP's architecture has evolved from a structured P2P library-based design connecting all peers into a global overlay, to the current design based on TinCan links that connect users to trusted peers (e.g., from online social networks) through the mediation of a decoupled controller. At its core, IPOP leverages existing technologies and standards, such as Jingle/WebRTC, STUN, TURN, and XMPP, to tunnel IP packets over P2P links between computers, even when they are behind firewalls and/or Network Address Translators (NATs)

Highlights

• User-defined VPN creation: Allows end users to define and create their own virtual private networks
• Software-defined VPN overlays: Enables the creation of various software-defined VPN overlays using the control API
• Peer-to-peer tunneling: Tunnels IP or Ethernet traffic over "TinCan" links between computers, even behind firewalls and NATs
• Leverages existing technologies: Utilizes Jingle/WebRTC, STUN, TURN, and XMPP standards to enable the P2P tunneling functionality