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Network Working Group                                       M. Boucadair
Internet-Draft                                              C. Jacquenet
Intended status: Standards Track                          France Telecom
Expires: December 19, 2013                                 June 17, 2013


       

Differentiated Network-Located Function Chaining Framework

draft-boucadair-network-function-chaining-00

Abstract IP networks rely more and more on the combination of advanced functions (besides the basic routing and forwarding functions). This document defines a solution to enforce Network-Located Function Chaining (NLFC) with minimum requirements on the underlying network. The proposed solution allows for Differentiated Forwarding (DiffForward): packets are classified at the entry point of an NLFC- enabled network, and are then forwarded on a per NLFC map basis. Requirements Language The key words "MUST", "MUST NOT", "REQUIRED", "SHALL", "SHALL NOT", "SHOULD", "SHOULD NOT", "RECOMMENDED", "MAY", and "OPTIONAL" in this document are to be interpreted as described in RFC 2119 [RFC2119]. Status of This Memo This Internet-Draft is submitted in full conformance with the provisions of BCP 78 and BCP 79. Internet-Drafts are working documents of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). Note that other groups may also distribute working documents as Internet-Drafts. The list of current Internet- Drafts is at http://datatracker.ietf.org/drafts/current/. Internet-Drafts are draft documents valid for a maximum of six months and may be updated, replaced, or obsoleted by other documents at any time. It is inappropriate to use Internet-Drafts as reference material or to cite them other than as "work in progress." This Internet-Draft will expire on December 19, 2013. Copyright Notice Copyright (c) 2013 IETF Trust and the persons identified as the document authors. All rights reserved. Boucadair & Jacquenet Expires December 19, 2013 [Page 1]

Internet-Draft                    NLFC                         June 2013


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Table of Contents

   1.  Introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   3
     1.1.  On the Proliferation of Network-Located Functions . . . .   3
     1.2.  Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   3
     1.3.  Objectives  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   3
     1.4.  Assumptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   4
     1.5.  Rationale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   4
     1.6.  Generic Requirements  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5
   2.  Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5
   3.  NLFC Provisioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   6
     3.1.  Assign NLF Identifiers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   6
     3.2.  NLF Locator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   6
     3.3.  Building NLF Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7
     3.4.  Building A NLFC Policy Table  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7
   4.  Theory Of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   8
     4.1.  NLFC Boundary Node  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   9
     4.2.  Classifier  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   9
     4.3.  NLFC Ingress Node . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   9
     4.4.  NLF Node  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10
     4.5.  Intermediate Node . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
     4.6.  NLFC Egress Node  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
   5.  Protocol Extensions?  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
     5.1.  Transmit NLFC Map Index In a Packet . . . . . . . . . . .  11
       5.1.1.  NLFC Map Index  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
       5.1.2.  Why Not SSR?  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
       5.1.3.  Where To Store NLFC Map Indexes In A Packet?  . . . .  12
     5.2.  Force the path to cross a NLF Node  . . . . . . . . . . .  12
   6.  Misc  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12
     6.1.  NLF Loops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12
     6.2.  Direct Adjacency  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
     6.3.  NLF Node is also a Classifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
   7.  IANA Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14
   8.  Security Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14
   9.  References  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14
     9.1.  Normative References  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14
     9.2.  Informative References  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15
   Authors' Addresses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15



Boucadair & Jacquenet   Expires December 19, 2013               [Page 2]

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1. Introduction

1.1. On the Proliferation of Network-Located Functions

IP networks rely more and more on the combination of advanced functions (besides the basic routing and forwarding functions). Typical examples of such functions include firewall (e.g., [RFC6092]), DPI (Deep Packet Inspection), LI (Lawful Intercept) module, NAT44 [RFC3022], NAT64 [RFC6146], DS-Lite AFTR [RFC6333], NPTv6 [RFC6296], HOST_ID injection, HTTP Header Enrichment function, TCP tweaking and optimization functions, transparent caching, Charging Function, etc. Such advanced functions are denoted NLF (Network-Located Function) in this document.

1.2. Scope

This document defines a framework to enforce Network-Located Function Chaining (NLFC) with minimum requirements on the underlying network. The proposed solution allows for Differentiated Forwarding (DiffForward): packets are classified at the entry point of an NLFC- enabled network, and are then forwarded on a per NLFC map basis. This document does not make any assumption on the deployment context. The proposed framework covers both fixed and mobile networks (e.g., to rationalize the proliferation of advanced features at the Gi Interface [RFC6459]).

1.3. Objectives

The main objectives of the proposed framework are as follows: o Efficiently master the chained activation of network-located functions, regardless of the underlying network topology and routing policies. o Allow for differentiated packet forwarding by selecting the set of network-located functions to be invoked. o Allow to easily change the chronology of the activation of network-located functions to be invoked. o Allow to easily change the set of network-located functions to be invoked. o Ease withdrawal of network-located functions and minimize any subsequent topology upgrade. o Automate the overall process of generating and enforcing policies to accommodate a set of network connectivity objectives. Boucadair & Jacquenet Expires December 19, 2013 [Page 3]

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1.4. Assumptions

The following assumptions are made: o Not all NLFs can be characterized with a standard definition in terms of technical description, detailed specification, etc. o There is no global nor standard list of NLFs enabled in a given administrative domain. The set of NLFs varies on a per deployment basis. o There is no global nor standard NLF chaining logic. The ordered set of NLFs that need to be activated to deliver a given connectivity service is specific to each administrative entity. o The chaining of NLFs and the criteria to invoke some of them are local to each administrative entity that operates a connectivity network (also called administrative domain). o NLF chaining logic and related policies should not be exposed outside a given administrative domain. o Several NLF chaining logics can be simultaneously enforced within an administrative domain to meet business requirements.

1.5. Rationale

Given the assumptions listed in Section 1.4, the rationale of the framework is as follows: o The framework separates the dynamic provisioning of required NLF functions from packet handling operations (e.g., forwarding decisions). o NLFs are handled as black-boxes; the technical characterization of each NLF is not required. o No IANA registry is required to store the list of NLFs. o No IANA registry is required to store the NLF chaining candidates. o No frozen NLF chaining is assumed. The definition of NLF chains is an information that will be processed by the nodes that participate to the delivery of a network service. The set of listed/chained NLF functions is generated by each administrative entity operating the network. o NLF handling is policy-based: NLF chains can be updated or deleted, new NLFs can be added without any impact on existing NLFs, etc. This design choice is compliant with the global framework discussed in [I-D.sin-sdnrg-sdn-approach]. o For the sake of efficiency, policy enforcement is automated (but the policies can be enforced using other methods). o To avoid fragmentation, a minimal set of information needs to be signaled (possibly in data packets). o Advanced features (e.g., load balancing objectives) are also policy-based. Invoked enforcement points are not aware of such objectives. Boucadair & Jacquenet Expires December 19, 2013 [Page 4]

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1.6. Generic Requirements

The followng deployment considerations should be taken into account: o Avoid inducing severe path stretch compared to the path followed if no NLF is involved. o Minimize path computation delays: due to enforcement of classification rules in all participating nodes, misconception of network-located function chaining, inappropriate choice of nodes elected to embed network-located functions, etc. o Avoid NLF invocation loops: the design of NLF chainings should minimize as much as possible NLF invocation loops. Note, means to prevent NLF loops may be enabled in each NLF Node.

2. Terminology

This document makes use of the following terms: o DiffForward: refers to the differentiated forwarding procedure as specified in this document. o NLF (Network-Located Function): refers to a function which is enabled in the network operated by an administrative entity. NLF can be for example: firewall (e.g., [RFC6092]), DPI (Deep Packet Inspection), LI (Lawful Intercept) module, NAT44 [RFC3022], NAT64 [RFC6146], DS-Lite AFTR [RFC6333], NPTv6 [RFC6296], HOST_ID injection, HTTP Header Enrichment function, TCP optimizer, etc. This document does not make any assumption on the enabled NLFs. o NLFC-enabled domain: denotes a network (or a region thereof) that implements DiffForward. o NLF Identifier: is a unique identifier that identifies unambiguously a NLF within an NLFC-enabled domain. NLF Identifiers are assigned, configured and managed by the administrative entity operating an NLFC-enabled domain. NLF identifiers can be structured as strings; other formats can be used. NLF Identifiers are not required to be globally unique nor be exposed to or used by another NLF-enabled domain. o NLFC Map: refers to an ordered list of NLF identifiers. Each NLFC Map is identified with a unique identifier called NLFC Map Index. o NLFC Policy Table: is a table containing a list of NLFC Maps, NLFC classification rules and Locators for all NLF Nodes. NLFC Policy Table may contain a default NLFC Map. Boucadair & Jacquenet Expires December 19, 2013 [Page 5]

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   o  NLFC Boundary Node (or Boundary Node): denotes a node that
      connects one NLFC-enabled domain to a node either located in
      another NLFC-enabled domain or in a domain that is NLFC-unaware.

   o  NLFC Egress Node (or Egress Node): denotes a NLFC Boundary Node
      that handles traffic which leaves the NLFC-enabled domain the
      Egress Node belongs to.

   o  NLFC Ingress Node (or Ingress Node): denotes a NLFC Boundary Node
      that handles traffic which enters the NLFC-enabled domain the
      ingress Node belongs to.

   o  NLF Node: denotes any node within an NLFC-enabled domain that
      embeds one or multiple NLFs.

   o  Legacy Node (Node for short): refers to any node that is not a NLF
      Node nor NLFC Boundary Node.  This node can be located within a
      NLFC-enabled domain or outside a NLFC-enabled domain.

   o  NLFC Classifier (or Classifier): an entity which classifies
      packets based on the content of packet headers according to
      classification rules defined in a NLFC Policy Table.  Packets are
      then marked with the corresponding NLFC Map Index.  NLFC
      Classifier is embedded in a NLFC Boundary Node.  An NLFC
      Classifier may be identified by a dedicated NLF Identifier.

3. NLFC Provisioning

3.1. Assign NLF Identifiers

The administrative entity that operates a NLFC-enabled domain maintains a local repository that lists the enabled NLFs. This administrative entity assigns a unique NLF identifier for each NLF. NLF identifiers can be structured as strings or any other format. The main constraint on the format is that two NLFs MUST be assigned with different identifiers. NLF identifiers are case-sensitive.

3.2. NLF Locator

A NLF may be embedded in one or several NLF Nodes. The NLF locator is typically the IP address or the FQDN to reach a given NLF Node. In the rest of the document, we assume a NLF locator is structured as an IP address (IPv4 or IPv6). The use of FQDN is out of scope of this version of the draft. Note that one or more locators may be bound to the same NLF. Boucadair & Jacquenet Expires December 19, 2013 [Page 6]

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3.3. Building NLF Maps

Added-value services delivered to end-user rely on the invocation of several NLFs. For each of these services, the administrative entity that operates an NLFC-enabled domain builds one or several NLFC Maps. Each of these maps characterizes the list of NLFs to be invoked with their exact invocation order. In addition to the NLF list, an NLFC Map is built with a unique identifier called NLFC Map Index. Inbound and Outbound NLFC Maps are both configured. Incoming packets will be tagged with an Index_1 while outgoing packets will be forwarded according to a distinct NLFC Map identified with Index_2. An example of NLFC Map to handle IPv6 traffic destined to an IPv4 remote server is defined as follows: {IPv6_Firewall; HOST_ID_Inject; NAT64}. To handle incoming packets destined to the same IPv6 host, the following NLFC Map can be defined: {IPv4_Firewall; NAT64}.

3.4. Building A NLFC Policy Table

A PDP (Policy Decision Point, [RFC2753]) is the central entity which is responsible for maintaining a NLFC Policy Table, and enforcing appropriate policies in NLF Nodes and NLFC Boundary Nodes (see Figure 1). Policy enforcement can be achieved using a variety of protocols (e.g., NETCONF [RFC6241]). o . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . o . NLFC Policy Enforcement . . +-------+ . . | |-----------------+ . . +-------| PDP | | . . | | |-------+ | . . | +-------+ | | . o . . | . . . . . | . . . . . | . . . . | . . . o o . . | . . . . . | . . . . . | . . . . | . . . o . | | | | . . v v v v . . +---------+ +---------+ +-------+ +-------+ . . |NLFC_BN_1| |NLFC_BN_n| | NLF_1 | | NLF_m | . . +---------+ +---------+ +-------+ +-------+ . . NLFC-enabled Domain . o . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .|. . . . o Boucadair & Jacquenet Expires December 19, 2013 [Page 7]

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                     Figure 1: NLFC Policy Enforcement

   The NLF Node MUST be provisioned with the following information:

   o  Local NLF Identifier(s): This information is required for an NLF
      to identify itself within an NLFC Map.

   o  List of NLFC Maps

   o  List of NLF Locators

   Likewise, the NLFC Boundary Node MUST be provisioned with the
   following information::

   o  List of NLFC Maps

   o  List of NLF Locators

   o  List of NLFC Map Classification Rules (see Section Section 4.2).

   In the event of any update (e.g., define a new NLFC Map, delete an
   NLFC Map, add a new NLF Locator, update classification policy), the
   PDP MUST enforce the updated policy configuration in all NLF Nodes
   and NLFC Boundary Nodes.

   Load-balancing among several NLF Nodes supporting the same NLF can be
   driven by the PDP.  Indeed, the PDP can generate multiple
   classification rules and NLFC Maps to meet load-balancing objectives.

   The processing of packets by the nodes that belong to a NLFC-enabled
   domain does not necessarily require any interaction with the PDP,
   depending on the nature of the NLF supported by the nodes and the
   corresponding policies to be enforced.  For example, traffic
   conditioning capabilities [RFC2475] are typical NLF functions that
   may require additional solicitation to the PDP for the NLF node to
   decide what to do with some out-of-profile traffic.

4. Theory Of Operation

The behavior of each node of a NLFC-enabled domain is specified in the following sections. We assume that the provisioning operations discussed in Section 3 have succeeded. Boucadair & Jacquenet Expires December 19, 2013 [Page 8]

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4.1. NLFC Boundary Node

NLFC Boundary Nodes act both as a NLFC Ingress Node and as a NLFC Egress Node for the respective directions of the traffic. Traffic enters a NLFC-enabled domain at a NLFC Ingress Node (Section 4.3) and exists the domain at a NLFC Egress Node (Section 4.6).

4.2. Classifier

The NLFC Classifier classifies packets based on (some of) the contents of the packet header. Concretely, it classifies packets based on the value of a combination of one or more header fields, such as source address, destination address, DS field, protocol ID, source port and destination port numbers, and any other information. Each NLFC Map Classification Rule MUST be bound to one single NLFC Map (i.e., the classification rule must include only one NLFC Map Index).

4.3. NLFC Ingress Node

When a packet is received through an interface of the NLFC Ingress Node that connects to the outside of the NLFC domain, the Ingress Node MUST: o Inspect the received packet and strip any existing NLFC Map Index. o Check if the received packet matches an existing classification rule (see Section 4.2). o If no rule matches, forward the packet to the next hop according to legacy forwarding behavior (i.e., based upon the IP address conveyed in the DA field of the header). o If a rule matches, proceed to the following: * Retrieve the locator of the first NLF as indicated in the NLFC Map entry the rule matches. * Check whether the corresponding NLF node is an immediate neighbor. + If so, update the packet with the NLFC Map Index of NLFC Map entry it matches and then forward the packet to the corresponding NLF Node. + If not, (1) encapsulate the original packet into a new one destined to the corresponding NLF node, (2) update the Boucadair & Jacquenet Expires December 19, 2013 [Page 9]

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            encapsulated packet with the NLFC Map Index of NLFC Map
            entry it matches, and (3) forward the packet to the next hop
            to reach the first NLF node.

   As a result of this process, the packet will be sent to an NLFC Node
   or an Intermediate Node.

4.4. NLF Node

This section assumes the NLF Nodes does not embed a Classifier as discussed in Section 6.3. When a packet is received by a NLF node, the latter MUST: o Check if the packet conveys a NLFC Map Index. o If no NLFC Map Index is included, forward the packet according to legacy forwarding policies. o If the packet conveys a NLFC Map Index, * Retrieve the corresponding NLFC Map from the NLFC Policy Table. * Check if the local NLF Identifier is present in the NLFC Map: + If not, forward the packet according to legacy forwarding policies. + If so, the packet is decapsulated (if needed) and then presented as an input to the local NLF. In case several NLFs are co-located in the same node, the packet is processed by all NLFs indicated in the NLFC Map. Once the packet is successfully handled by local NLF(s), the packet is forwarded to the next NLF Node in the list or to an intermediate node (if the local NLFC Node is the last element in the NLFC Map). If the local NLF node is not the last one in the NLFC Map, it retrieves the next NLF node from the list, retrieve its locator for the NLFC Policy Table, and forwards the packet to the next hop. If the local NLF Node is the last element in the NLFC Map, it forwards the packet to the next hop according to legacy forwarding policies. Boucadair & Jacquenet Expires December 19, 2013 [Page 10]

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4.5. Intermediate Node

An Intermediate Node is any node that does not support any NLF function and which is located within a NLFC-enabled domain. No modification is required to intermediate nodes to handle incoming packets. In particular, routing and forwarding are achieved using legacy procedures.

4.6. NLFC Egress Node

When a packet is received through an interface that connects the NLFC Egress Node to its NLFC domain, the Egress Node MUST: o Strip any existing NLFC Map Index. o Forward the packet according to legacy forwarding policies.

5. Protocol Extensions?

This section discusses two main protocol issues to be handled in order to deploy DiffForward.

5.1. Transmit NLFC Map Index In a Packet

5.1.1. NLFC Map Index

A NLFC Map Index is an integer that points to a NLFC Map. In order to avoid all nodes of a NLFC-enabled domain to be NLF-aware, this specification recommends to undertake classifiers at boundary nodes while intermediate nodes forward the packets according to the NLFC Index conveyed in the packet (NLF Node) or according to typical forwarding policies (any NLF-unaware node). An 8-bit field would be sufficient to accommodate deployment contexts with a large set of NLFC Maps. A 16-bit field would provide a comfortable solution.

5.1.2. Why Not SSR?

Instead of injecting a Map Index, an alternate solution would be to use SSR IP option or any similar solution to indicate a loose or strict explicit route. This alternative was not considered because of the negative impact on the processing and potential fragmentation issues. Boucadair & Jacquenet Expires December 19, 2013 [Page 11]

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   Injecting an 8-bit or even 16-bit field would minimize fragmentation
   issues.

5.1.3. Where To Store NLFC Map Indexes In A Packet?

NLFC Map Indexes can be conveyed in various locations of a packet: o At L2 level o Define a new IP option or a new extension header o Use IPv6 Flow Label o Re-use an existing field (e.g., DS field) o Etc.

5.2. Force the path to cross a NLF Node

A NLFC Ingress Node or an NLF Node MUST be able to forward a packet matching an existing NLFC Map to a NLF Node. The locator of the next NLF is retrieved from the NLFC Policy Table. In case the next NLF Node in the list is not an immediate neighbor, a solution to force the packet to cross that NLF Node MUST be supported. This document suggests the use of IP-in-IP encapsulation scheme. Other tunneling solutions can be considered in the future.

6. Misc

6.1. NLF Loops

NLF Nodes use the NLFC Policy Table to detect whether the local NLF was already applied for the received packet (i.e., detect NLF Loop). The NLF Node MUST invoke the local NLF only if the packet is received from a NLFC Boundary Node or a NLF Node having an identifier listed before the local NLF in the NLF Map matched by the packet. NLF Loop detection SHOULD be a configurable feature. Figure 2 shows an example of a NLFC Policy Table of a NLF Node embedding NLFa. If we consider a packet, received from Locb, matches Rule 2. NLFa must not be invoked because NLFb is listed after NLFa (see the NLFC Map list). That packet will be forwarded without invoking NLFa. +-----------------------------------------------+ | NLFC Policy Table | +-----------------------------------------------+ |Local NLF Identifier: NLFa | Boucadair & Jacquenet Expires December 19, 2013 [Page 12]

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             +-----------------------------------------------+
             |Classification Rules                           |
             | Rule 1: If DEST=IP1; then NLFC_MAP_INDEX1     |
             | Rule 2: IF DEST=IP3; then NLFC_MAP_INDEX2     |
             +-----------------------------------------------+
             |NLFC Maps                                      |
             | NLFC_MAP_INDEX1: NLFa, NLFc                   |
             | NLFC_MAP_INDEX2: NLFd, NLFa, NLFb, NLFh       |
             +-----------------------------------------------+
             |NLFC Maps                                      |
             | Locator_NLFb: Locb                            |
             | Locator_NLFc: Locc                            |
             | Locator_NLFd: Locd                            |
             | Locator_NLFh: Loch                            |
             +-----------------------------------------------+

                                 Figure 2

6.2. Direct Adjacency

NLF Nodes may be enabled in a NLFC-enabled domain so that each of them has a direct adjacency with other NLF Nodes. In such configuration, no additional encapsulation scheme is needed to exchange traffic between these nodes.

6.3. NLF Node is also a Classifier

If NLF Nodes are also configured to behave as Classifiers, NLFC Map Index is not required to be explicitly signalled in each packet. Concretely, the NLFC Policy Table configured to the NLF Node includes also classification rules. These classification rules are enforced to determine whether the local NLF must be involved. If an incoming packet matches at least one classification rule pointing to an NLFC Map in which the NLF Identifier is listed, the NLF Node retrieves the next hop NLF from the NLF Map indicated in the classification rule, the packet is handled by the local NLF, and then the NLF Node forwards the packet to the next hop NLF. If not, the packet is forwarded to the next hop following legacy forwarding behavior. Let consider the example shown in Figure 3. The local NLF Node embeds NLFa. After checking the classification rules and the NLFC Maps, the NLF Node concludes NLFa must be invoked only when a packet matches Rule 1 and Rule 3. If a packet matches Rule 1, the next NLF is NLFc. If a packet matches Rule 3, the next NLF is NLFh. +-----------------------------------------------+ | NLFC Policy Table | +-----------------------------------------------+ Boucadair & Jacquenet Expires December 19, 2013 [Page 13]

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             |Local NLF Identifier: NLFa                     |
             +-----------------------------------------------+
             |Classification Rules                           |
             | Rule 1: If DEST=IP1; then NLFC_MAP_INDEX1     |
             | Rule 2: If DEST=IP2; then NLFC_MAP_INDEX2     |
             | Rule 3: IF DEST=IP3; then NLFC_MAP_INDEX3     |
             +-----------------------------------------------+
             |NLFC Maps                                      |
             | NLFC_MAP_INDEX1: NLFa, NLFc                   |
             | NLFC_MAP_INDEX2: NLFd, NLFb                   |
             | NLFC_MAP_INDEX3: NLFa, NLFh                   |
             +-----------------------------------------------+

                                 Figure 3

7. IANA Considerations

Required IANA actions will be discussed in future version of the document.

8. Security Considerations

Means to defend NLFC Boundary Nodes and NLF Nodes against broken NLFC Policy Table MUST be enabled. For example, authenticated means are to be used between a PDP and the underlying NLFC elements. NLFC Boundary Nodes MUST strip any existing NLFC Map Index when handling an incoming packet. A list of authorized NLFC Map Indexes are configured to the underlying NLFC elements. NETCONF-related security considerations are discussed in [RFC6146]. Means to defend against denial-of-service must be supported. Means to prevent NLF loops should be supported. Nodes involved in the same NLFC-enabled domain MUST be provisioned with the same NLFC Policy Table. Inconsistencies in this tables will result in forwarding mis-behavior.

9. References

9.1. Normative References

[RFC2119] Bradner, S., "Key words for use in RFCs to Indicate Requirement Levels", BCP 14, RFC 2119, March 1997. Boucadair & Jacquenet Expires December 19, 2013 [Page 14]

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   [RFC6241]  Enns, R., Bjorklund, M., Schoenwaelder, J., and A.
              Bierman, "Network Configuration Protocol (NETCONF)", RFC
              6241, June 2011.

9.2. Informative References

[I-D.sin-sdnrg-sdn-approach] Boucadair, M. and C. Jacquenet, "Software-Defined Networking: A Service Provider's Perspective", draft-sin- sdnrg-sdn-approach-03 (work in progress), June 2013. [RFC2475] Blake, S., Black, D., Carlson, M., Davies, E., Wang, Z., and W. Weiss, "An Architecture for Differentiated Services", RFC 2475, December 1998. [RFC2753] Yavatkar, R., Pendarakis, D., and R. Guerin, "A Framework for Policy-based Admission Control", RFC 2753, January 2000. [RFC3022] Srisuresh, P. and K. Egevang, "Traditional IP Network Address Translator (Traditional NAT)", RFC 3022, January 2001. [RFC6092] Woodyatt, J., "Recommended Simple Security Capabilities in Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) for Providing Residential IPv6 Internet Service", RFC 6092, January 2011. [RFC6146] Bagnulo, M., Matthews, P., and I. van Beijnum, "Stateful NAT64: Network Address and Protocol Translation from IPv6 Clients to IPv4 Servers", RFC 6146, April 2011. [RFC6296] Wasserman, M. and F. Baker, "IPv6-to-IPv6 Network Prefix Translation", RFC 6296, June 2011. [RFC6333] Durand, A., Droms, R., Woodyatt, J., and Y. Lee, "Dual- Stack Lite Broadband Deployments Following IPv4 Exhaustion", RFC 6333, August 2011. [RFC6459] Korhonen, J., Soininen, J., Patil, B., Savolainen, T., Bajko, G., and K. Iisakkila, "IPv6 in 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Evolved Packet System (EPS)", RFC 6459, January 2012. Authors' Addresses Boucadair & Jacquenet Expires December 19, 2013 [Page 15]

Internet-Draft                    NLFC                         June 2013


   Mohamed Boucadair
   France Telecom
   Rennes  35000
   France

   Email: [email protected]


   Christian Jacquenet
   France Telecom
   Rennes  35000
   France

   Email: [email protected]





































Boucadair & Jacquenet   Expires December 19, 2013              [Page 16]


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