language: en

Location Independent Names for Nomadic Computers

David C. Steere, Mark Morrissey, Peter Geib, Calton Pu, and Jonathan Walpole
Department of Computer Science and Engineering Oregon Graduate Institute

Abstract Recent advances in the Domain Name System (DNS) and the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) have enabled a new approach to supporting mobile users: location independent naming. In this approach, machines use the same hostname from any internet location, but use an IP address that corresponds to their current location. We describe a protocol that implements location independent naming for nomadic computers, i.e., machines that do not need transparent mobility. Our protocol allows hosts to move across security domains, uses existing protocols, and preserves existing trust relationships. Therefore, it preserves the performance and security of normal IP for nomadic computers at the expense of not providing the transparent mobility of Mobile IP. We contend that this is a reasonable tradeoff for nomadic computing.

1 Introduction