pppstats

pppstats [interface]

interface
    The name of the PPP interface (e.g., ppp0, ppp1). If no interface is specified, `pppstats` attempts to display statistics for all active PPP interfaces.

The `pppstats` command is a simple utility in Linux used to display PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) link statistics. It provides real-time information about the number of packets and bytes transmitted and received over a PPP connection. This information can be invaluable for troubleshooting network connectivity issues, monitoring bandwidth usage, and assessing the overall health of a PPP connection. This command does not configure or manage the PPP link itself; it only provides statistical information.

The output of `pppstats` typically includes details about the interface name, the number of input and output packets, the number of input and output bytes, and any reported errors. It’s a lightweight tool suitable for quick checks and basic monitoring. It requires the /proc filesystem and appropriate permissions to read the relevant files. This utility is often found in environments where PPP is used for dial-up connections or VPN tunnels.

Requires root privileges or appropriate read permissions to access the /proc filesystem where PPP statistics are stored. The accuracy of the statistics depends on the proper configuration of the PPP interface. Results may not be available if PPP logging is disabled.

The output of `pppstats` generally includes the following information:
Interface Name: The name of the PPP interface.
Input Packets: The number of packets received.
Input Bytes: The total number of bytes received.
Output Packets: The number of packets transmitted.
Output Bytes: The total number of bytes transmitted.
Errors: Any reported errors during transmission or reception.

High packet loss or a significant difference between input and output statistics may indicate network issues, misconfiguration, or hardware problems. Use `tcpdump` or `wireshark` for a more in-depth analysis of the traffic flowing through the interface.

The `pppstats` command has been a part of Linux distributions for a long time, coinciding with the widespread use of PPP for dial-up internet connections. Its development was driven by the need for a simple and direct method to monitor PPP link performance and identify potential issues with data transfer rates. The command's simplicity and reliance on the /proc filesystem made it a practical choice for system administrators.

pppd(8), ifconfig(8), netstat(1), tcpdump(1)