EILNP (Identifier/Locator Network Protocol)

Introduction

Identifier/Locator Network Protocol (ILNP) is a network protocol architecture designed to separate the roles of identifiers and locators in IP networking. The ILNP architecture provides a solution to the scalability and mobility problems that the current Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) and version 6 (IPv6) have. In this article, we will discuss the ILNP protocol in detail, including its design, advantages, and limitations.

Design of ILNP

The design of ILNP is based on the separation of the roles of identifiers and locators in the networking protocol. The identifiers are the network addresses that are used to identify the devices or entities within the network. The locators, on the other hand, are the network addresses that are used to locate the devices or entities within the network. In ILNP, the identifiers and locators are separated, which allows for more flexibility and scalability in the network.

ILNP defines two types of addresses: ILNP identifiers and ILNP locators. An ILNP identifier is used to identify a device or entity within a network, while an ILNP locator is used to locate the device or entity. The ILNP identifier is a stable address that remains constant even if the device moves to a different network. The ILNP locator, on the other hand, changes as the device moves from one network to another.

ILNP provides a mechanism for mapping an ILNP identifier to an ILNP locator. This mapping is done by the ILNP Mapping System (IMS). The IMS maintains a database of ILNP identifier-locator mappings, which are used to route packets to the correct destination.

Advantages of ILNP

ILNP has several advantages over the traditional IP protocol. One of the main advantages is that it provides better scalability. ILNP allows for a larger number of devices to be connected to the network without running out of IP addresses. This is because ILNP separates the roles of identifiers and locators, which allows for more flexibility in assigning addresses.

Another advantage of ILNP is that it provides better mobility support. ILNP allows devices to move from one network to another without changing their ILNP identifier. This means that the device can maintain its identity even if it moves to a different network. ILNP locators change as the device moves from one network to another, but the ILNP identifier remains constant.

ILNP also provides better security. ILNP allows for secure communication between devices by using the ILNP Security Association Protocol (ISAP). ISAP provides encryption, authentication, and key management services, which help to ensure the security of the network.

Limitations of ILNP

ILNP also has some limitations. One of the main limitations is that it requires a new infrastructure to be deployed. ILNP is not compatible with the current IP infrastructure, which means that it cannot be deployed on existing networks. This requires the deployment of a new infrastructure, which can be expensive and time-consuming.

Another limitation of ILNP is that it may not be backwards compatible with existing applications. Existing applications may need to be modified to work with ILNP, which can be a significant effort. This may slow down the adoption of ILNP in the industry.

Conclusion

ILNP is a promising network protocol that provides better scalability, mobility support, and security than the traditional IP protocol. ILNP separates the roles of identifiers and locators, which allows for more flexibility in assigning addresses. However, ILNP also has some limitations, including the need for a new infrastructure and potential incompatibility with existing applications. Despite these limitations, ILNP is a significant step forward in the evolution of network protocols and is worth considering for future network deployments.