Introducing multi-ID and multi-locator into network architecture

The present-day Internet has no separate namespace for host IDs. It uses IP addresses as host IDs, which are in fact locators. This dual role is problematic for mobility, multihoming, security, and routing on the Internet. To solve these problems, research has recently begun on ID/locator split architectures. Some standardization activities based on this concept are also progressing in ITU-T Study Group 13 and in the IETF. We expect that introduction of the ID/locator split concept into the new generation network or future Internet architecture can bring about additional functions, such as heterogeneous network protocol support, multicast, QoS, resource or service discovery, and flexible human-network interaction. Toward realization of these functions, this article discusses some approaches to introducing multi-ID and multilocator support into the network architecture. This also lists items that have the potential to be investigated and standardized in ITU-T.