RFC 3303 (rfc3303) - Page 1 of 34
Middlebox communication architecture and framework
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
Network Working Group P. Srisuresh
Request for Comments: 3303 Kuokoa Networks
Category: Informational J. Kuthan
Fraunhofer Institute FOKUS
J. Rosenberg
dynamicsoft
A. Molitor
Aravox Technologies
A. Rayhan
Ryerson University
August 2002
Middlebox communication architecture and framework
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 (2002). All Rights Reserved.
Abstract
A principal objective of this document is to describe the underlying
framework of middlebox communications (MIDCOM) to enable complex
applications through the middleboxes, seamlessly using a trusted
third party. This document and a companion document on MIDCOM
requirements ([REQMTS]) have been created as a precursor to
rechartering the MIDCOM working group.
There are a variety of intermediate devices in the Internet today
that require application intelligence for their operation. Datagrams
pertaining to real-time streaming applications, such as SIP and
H.323, and peer-to-peer applications, such as Napster and NetMeeting,
cannot be identified by merely examining packet headers. Middleboxes
implementing Firewall and Network Address Translator services
typically embed application intelligence within the device for their
operation. The document specifies an architecture and framework in
which trusted third parties can be delegated to assist the
middleboxes to perform their operation, without resorting to
embedding application intelligence. Doing this will allow a
middlebox to continue to provide the services, while keeping the
middlebox application agnostic.
Srisuresh, et al. Informational