RFC 2685 (rfc2685) - Page 1 of 6

Virtual Private Networks Identifier

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Network Working Group                                             B. Fox
Request for Comments: 2685                           Lucent Technologies
Category: Standards Track                                     B. Gleeson
                                                         Nortel Networks
                                                          September 1999


                  Virtual Private Networks Identifier

Status of this Memo

   This document specifies an Internet standards track protocol for the
   Internet community, and requests discussion and suggestions for
   improvements.  Please refer to the current edition of the "Internet
   Official Protocol Standards" (STD 1) for the standardization state
   and status of this protocol.  Distribution of this memo is unlimited.

Copyright Notice

   Copyright (C) The Internet Society (1999).  All Rights Reserved.

Abstract

   Virtual Private IP networks may span multiple Autonomous Systems or
   Service Providers.  There is a requirement for the use of a globally
   unique VPN identifier in order to be able to refer to a particular
   VPN (see section 6.1.1 of [1]).  This document proposes a format for
   a globally unique VPN identifier.

1. Introduction

   As the Public Internet expands and extends its infrastructure
   globally, the determination to exploit this infrastructure has led to
   widespread interest in IP based Virtual Private Networks.  A VPN
   emulates a private IP network over public or shared infrastructures.
   Virtual Private Networks provide advantages to both the Service
   Provider and its customers.  For its customers, a VPN can extend the
   IP capabilities of a corporate site to remote offices and/or users
   with intranet, extranet, and dialup services.  This connectivity
   should be achieved at a lower cost to the customer with savings in
   capital equipment, operations, and services.   The Service Provider
   is able to make better use of its infrastructure and network
   administration expertise offering IP VPN connectivity and/or services
   to its customers.

   There are many ways in which IP VPN services may be implemented.  The
   IP based VPN framework document [1] identifies four types of VPN to
   be supported:  Virtual Leased Lines, Virtual Private Routed Networks,



Fox & Gleeson               Standards Track
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