Layer discovery in RINA networks

In the course of generalizing the Inter-Process Communication (IPC) model from one system, two, to N systems directly connected, the necessity of a function to figure out via which “wire” or interface the requested application is available became apparent. In a Recursive Inter Network Architecture enabled system this is equivalent to asking on which of the Distributed IPC Facilities (layers) the requested application is available. We name this distributed application, the Inter-DIF Directory (IDD). In this paper we explain why the IDD is fundamental in networks, allowing the discovery of applications that belong to layers other than the one the requested application is on. Moreover, there are two phases of the IDD function: first, finding the requested application and then, creating a DIF that supports the communication. We describe the actions taken in each phase. Finally, we give a simple example of an IDD that makes use of hierarchical names.