Multi-Level Distributed Name Resolution System Based on Flat Identifiers

The current Internet architecture does not properly handle multi-homed hosts, since each interface of a multi-connected end-host terminal generally appears as a completely different node. The lack of transparency about the multi-homing degree of end-hosts brings even more problems when those hosts are mobile. On the one hand, in our view the combined use of local hierarchical locators and global flat identifiers for both end hosts and networks is important to reach an efficient control of multi-homing and mobility. On the other hand, when planning to use flat global identifiers for networks we must consider an increased number of access autonomous systems. To target that scenario, this paper presents a novel addressing scheme and a global lookup system based on multi-level flat identifiers, which operate between the Internet domain naming service and its routing system. The proposed mechanism allows Internet access providers to deploy networks that may not be physically adjacent to each other, without having to reveal their topological location. This is done by grouping access networks of the same organization in the same virtual organizational zone. Virtual zones aim to hide the control of multi- homing and mobility from the Internet core. The second major goal of employing virtual zones is to bring closer to the end-host the decision about the most suitable access network and terminal interface to be used. This allows the exploitation of end-hosts interface diversity and local path diversity in a more efficient way.