Re: IPv6 news

[Paul Jakma <paul () clubi ie>]

On Tue, 18 Oct 2005, Paul Jakma wrote:

> If you want to focus on the differences between IP and POTS/GSM, sure, 
> they're completely different. However, the point is to examine the abstract 
> model for how telcos manage to achieve number portability without 
> global-scope exchange of subscriber information and see what, if any, 
> techniques could apply to IP.

Eg, given some arbitrary area:

- RIR assigns a prefix to that area

- For that area, for the set of ISPs providing service in that
  area (the area-ISP set) which are all peered with each other (eg at some IX in or near the area
  concerned), each ISP:
        - announces the area prefix as far and wide as they can
          (doing so will be an advantage for settlement with the
           other area-ISP set ISPs)
        - exchanges very very specific routes of:

                area-site -> AS

          with the other area-ISP set ISPs (if they peer locally,
          they can keep these very specific routes local too)

        - keep track of how much traffic to the area-prefix is handed
          off to other area-ISP set ISPs (and to which, obviously),
          and how much is received.

        - periodically, for every other area-ISP, reconcile traffic
          handed off / received and either send your or wait for
          their invoice as appropriate.

Fraught with some difficulties obviously. (Politics of settlement, 
particularly when there is no benevolant entity to arbitrate and/or 
impose - before you ever get to the question of how to define an 
"area").

If it seems too difficult and the status quo is preferred - no 
worries, the hosts will figure out some kind of indirection. Bit less 
efficient than if ISPs would route natively/locally, but hey it won't 
require any difficult decisions and co-ordination in the ISP 
community.

And maybe that'd be for the best. ;)

regards,
--
Paul Jakma      paul () clubi ie        paul () jakma org       Key ID: 64A2FF6A
Fortune:
Nowlan's Theory:
        He who hesitates is not only lost, but several miles from
        the next freeway exit.