Point of presence
A point of presence is an artificial demarcation point or interface point between communicating entities. A common example is an Internet point of presence, the local access point that allows users to connect to the Internet with their Internet service provider. A PoP typically houses servers, routers, network switches, multiplexers, and other network interface equipment, and is typically located in a data center. ISPs typically have multiple PoPs. PoPs are often located at Internet exchange points and colocation centres.
In the US, this term became important during the court-ordered breakup of the Bell Telephone system. A point of presence was a location where a long-distance carrier could terminate services and provide connections into a local telephone network.
