Multiple Interfaces WG
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Nodes attached to multiple networks may encounter problems due to conflict
of network configuration information and/or simultaneous use of the multiple
available networks. This can happen over multiple physical network interfaces, a
combination of physical and virtual interfaces (VPNs or tunnels), or even
indirectly through multiple default routers being on the same link. For
instance, current laptops and smartphones typically have multiple access network
The MIF problem statement document [RFC6418] enumerates the problems into 3
1. Lack of consistent and distinctive management of configuration elements,
associated with different networks.
2. Inappropriate mixed use of configuration elements, associated with different
networks, in the course of a particular network activity / connection.
3. Use of a particular network, not consistent with the intent of the scenario /
involved parties, leading to connectivity failure and / or other undesired
The purpose of the MIF working group is to describe the architecture detailing
how devices attach to and operate in multiple networks. The group shall also
analyze how applications can be influenced by these existing mechanisms. The WG
shall employ and refer to existing IETF work in this area, including, for
instance, strong/weak models (RFC 1122), default address selection (RFC 6724),
ICE and other mechanisms higher layers can use for address selection, DHCP
mechanisms, Router Advertisement mechanisms, and DNS recommendations. The focus
of the working group should be on documenting the system level effects to host
IP stacks and identification of gaps between the existing IETF recommendations
and existing practice. Having completed some of its initial goals the group is
also developing the following:
1. An incrementally deployable architecture, defining a consistent approach and
recommended practices for handling sets of network configuration objects by
hosts, attached to multiple networks, which enable hosts to improve network
connectivity for the host's applications and users. Each of these sets of
network configuration objects is referred to collectively as a provisioning
2. A set of requirements for changes to or the uses of protocols, that
provide network configuration information, to enable improved handling of
multiple sets of network configuration in networks and hosts. For example,
requirements for DHCPv6 options, Neighbor Discovery options etc. to communicate
association of the configuration information with particular networks.
3. In cooperation with other working groups, uses of existing protocols in
accordance with the requirements produced under item 2. Any changes of function
of protocols are out of scope.
4. A MIF API: While no changes are required for applications to run on
multiple interface hosts, a new API could provide additional services to
applications running on hosts attached to multiple networks. For instance, these
services could assist advanced applications in having greater control over
first-hop, source address and/or DNS resolver, interface and other network
configuration element selection. This API will be defined as an abstract
interface specification. That is, specific details about mapping to operating
system primitives or programming languages will be left out, and the API will
not be specified in terms of familiar APIs (e.g., "BSD sockets API"). In
addition to the new API, the behavior of existing APIs may be changed to improve
the behavior of unmodified applications.
5. Guidelines to applications, to provide an improved connectivity
experience when the host is attached to multiple networks or there is a change
in the set of networks the host is attached to, e.g., via MIF API usage.
6. The MIF working group will document either as part of the MIF API
specification, as part of the MIF architecture document, or in a separate
document, the issues and requirements for a high-level MIF user interface that
would allow the user to exert control over how individual applications or
application roles make use of different provisioning domains and network
7. A specification for the format, generation and usage of PVD IDs.
Network discovery and selection on lower layers as defined by RFC 5113 is out of
scope. With the exception of identifying requirements for additional DHCPv6
and/or ND options, as well as requirements for possible related changes in these
protocols, the group shall not assume any software beyond basic IP protocol
support on its peers or in network hosts. No work will be done to enable traffic
flows to move from one interface to another. The group recognizes existing work
on mechanisms that require peer or network support for moving traffic flows such
as RFC 5206, RFC 4980 and the use of multiple care-of addresses in Mobile IPv6.
This group does not work on or impact such mechanisms. Future work in this area
requires rechartering the working group or asking other, specialized working
groups (such as DHC or 6MAN) to deal with specific issues.