RFC 3609 (rfc3609) - Page 1 of 9
Tracing Requirements for Generic Tunnels
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
Network Working Group R. Bonica
Request for Comments: 3609 MCI
Category: Informational K. Kompella
Juniper Networks
D. Meyer
Sprint
September 2003
Tracing Requirements for Generic Tunnels
Status of this Memo
This memo provides information for the Internet community. It does
not specify an Internet standard of any kind. Distribution of this
memo is unlimited.
Copyright Notice
Copyright (C) The Internet Society (2003). All Rights Reserved.
Abstract
This document specifies requirements for a generic route-tracing
application. It also specifies requirements for a protocol that will
support that application. Network operators will use the generic
route-tracing application to verify proper operation of the IP
forwarding plane. They will also use the application to discover
details regarding tunnels that support IP forwarding.
The generic route-tracing application, specified herein, supports a
superset of the functionality that "traceroute" currently offers.
Like traceroute, the generic route-tracing application can discover
the forwarding path between two interfaces that are contained by an
IP network. Unlike traceroute, this application can reveal details
regarding tunnels that support the IP forwarding path.
1. Introduction
IP networks utilize several tunneling technologies. Although these
tunneling technologies provide operators with many useful features,
they also present management challenges. Network operators require a
generic route-tracing application that they can use to verify the
correct operation of the IP forwarding plane. The generic
route-tracing application must be capable of detecting tunnels and
revealing tunnel details. The application also must be useful in
diagnosing tunnel faults.
Bonica, et al. Informational