The invention relates to method and device for improving the link configuration speed of high-latency links, such as circuit switched links or satellite links, that use chatty protocols, which require sequential configuration phases, such as standard PPP in accordance with RfC 1661. In the initial link configuration phase, a standard LCP packet is sent out, followed by at least one masked packet that will be discarded silently by a peer operating in accordance with the standard protocol, but whose contents will be processed by a peer operating in accordance with the invention. The initial standard LCP packet produces compatibility with the standard protocol, whereas the sending of masked packets containing configuration information (PAP, CHAP, ICPC, etc.) allows two peers operating in accordance with the invention to accomplish the configuration phases in parallel, such that a link can be configured and ready to transmit network level packets, such as IP packets, much more quickly than with the standard protocol, such as PPP.