Enriched Classification and Dynamic Tunneling as Elementary Internet Mechanisms

In this paper we make the case that mechanisms for enriched classification and dynamic tunneling with a common elementary protocol should be widely deployed on the Internet. While such mechanisms are in common use and widely available their use remains ad-hoc, static and “underground.” Our elementary control protocol defines an interface that provides for consistent and interoperable implementations of the two mechanisms. We contend that rather than inviting the continued proprietary ad-hoc deployment, these mechanisms would bring substantial additional value to the Internet without significantly increasing complexity. Index terms — Protocol design, Tunneling, Classification