[Mep-dev] The DTN Protocols and the MEP (and ACP)

[Timothy J. Salo]

Bob McGwier wrote:
> Tim seems to have specific objections to DTN as currently captured in RFC's,
> Darpa WNan work, etc. as the "store and forward" mechanism.

I expressed no such opinion.

What I did say is that, in my opinion, the MEP project should
focus on delivering an IP-based network _before_ it gets
distracted by applications such as the DTN protocols.

> DTN as implemented in the code base I have been pointing to is link and
> network layer neutral for the most part.  It is a store and forward
> mechanism and runs on top of the transport.  There can be good and bad
> choices for the transport mechanism in any store and forward mechanism and
> it will not fix a bad choice.

Exactly.  The DTN protocols use the native protocols of the
underlying networks.  Not surprisingly, the most common
underlying network is an IP network (using either UDP or
TCP as a transport protocol).

If the MEP is a fully functional IP network, it will
support the DTN protocols, as well as countless other
existing and future protocols.

Bob, do you believe that the MEP should be something
other than a fully functional IP network?  If so, what?

After it is clear that the MEP project will successfully
deliver a working, fully functional, IP-capable prototype
is, in my opinion, a good time to explore how the DTN protocols
should work with the MEP.  Should the DTN protocols be integrated
into the MEP?  If so, which MEP devices?  Or, should the DTN
protocols be implemented in the end devices (i.e., outside of
the MEP) and simply use the IP services provided by the MEP
(and be invisible to the MEP itself)?

By the way, I again suggest that anyone interested in computer
networks and network protocols consider learning about and
playing with the DTN protocols.  The DTN reference
implementation permits one to play with the DTN protocols today.
All it requires is an IP network.  Of course, if the MEP is an
IP network, your can transition your work with the DTN protocols
to the MEP seamlessly.

-tjs