ZNP: A new generation network layer protocol based on ID/locator split considering practical operation

To support mobility, multihoming, routing scalability, and security, there are a lot of proposals based on ID/Locator split approach not only for the current Internet but also for the future Internet. However, none of them meet the requirements for practical operation such as (1) support heterogeneous network layer protocols, (2) scalability of ID/Locator mapping system, (3) independence of mapping information management, and (4) avoidance of locator leakage beyond the administrative boundary. This paper proposes a network layer protocol called Z Network Protocol (ZNP) for the future Internet based on the clean slate approach. ZNP supports heterogeneity of network layer protocols by "Internetworking with a Common ID Space". Its mapping systems meet the requirements (1)-(4) described above. For manipulating the mapping systems, Z Control Message Protocol (ZCMP) is designed. For resolving the link layer (L2) address from the ZNP Locator, Z Neighbor Discovery Protocol (ZNDP) is designed. We implement ZNP and ZNDP in the Linux kernel, ZCMP in the user space and measure the times needed for transmission, reception, forwarding, and locator conversion. The results show the practicability of ZNP as a network layer protocol for the future Internet.