The RNA Metaprotocol

The recursive network architecture (RNA) explores the relationship of layering to protocol and network architecture. RNA examines the implications of using a single, tunable protocol, called a metaprotocol, for different layers of the protocol stack, reusing basic protocol operations across different protocol layers to avoid reimplementation. Its primary goal is to encourage cleaner cross-layer interaction, to support dynamic service composition, and to gain an understanding of how layering affects architecture. This paper provides a description of RNA and a recently completed initial prototype. The prototype extends the Click modular router with control capabilities including dynamic composition and discovery. These capabilities are used to demonstrate simple but flexible stacks of instances of a metaprotocol that are customizable at runtime.