virtual point of presence

virtual point of presence
virtual PoP

   (virtual PoP) A point, via which users can connect to an
   {Internet access provider}, which is not operated by the
   provider.  The user is charged by the telephone company for
   the call to the virtual point of presence which relays his
   call via some third party circuit to the Internet provider's
   central location.  This is in contrast to a physical {point of
   presence} (PoP) which is operated by the Internet provider
   themselves.  The advantage of a virtual PoP is that the
   provider can keep all their {modems} in one location, thus
   improving availability and maintenance, but users do not have
   to pay long-distance call charges to that point.

   (1994-12-13)