Locator/identifier split using the data link layer (0803.4311v1)

Abstract: The locator/identifier split approach assumes separating functions of a locator (i.e. topology--dependent attachment point address) and identifier (topology-independent unique identifier) currently both served by an IP address. This work is an attempt to redefine semantics of MAC address to make it a pure layer-2 locator instead of a pure globally-unique identifier. Such an exercise might be interesting from the standpoint of Ethernet scaling and Metro Ethernet technologies. From the global routing perspective, introduction of multihoming, traffic engineering and failover at the 2nd layer may reduce pressure on the 3rd layer.