ALEX: Improving SIP Support in Systems with Multiple Network Addresses

The successful and increasingly adopted session initiation protocol (SIP) does not adequately support hosts with multiple network addresses, such as dual-stack (IPv4-IPv6) or IPv6 multi-homed devices. This paper presents the Address List Extension (ALEX) to SIP that adds effective support to systems with multiple addresses, such as dual-stack hosts or multi-homed IPv6 hosts. ALEX enables IPv6 transport to be used for SIP messages, as well as for communication sessions between SIP user agents (UAs), whenever possible and without compromising compatibility with ALEX-unaware UAs and SIP servers

Standardization of network interfaces : a framework for collaborative development and go-to-market strategy

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design and Management Program, 2006."June 2006."Includes bibliographical references.Over the last decade technological innovation in computers and communications industries has resulted in higher penetration of technology intensive products in businesses and homes. In communications industry, the true value of converged networks will be exploited only if the products and services provided end-to-end quality, reliability and consistency of features and functionalities that are offered. However, for this to happen, the products, systems and networks need to be interoperable. Interoperability can be accomplished most effectively and efficiently by use of common standards; but at the same time use of common standards potentially and arguably leads to commoditization of products, and constrains ability of product differentiation. Processes for setting standards, are not only messy but are prolonged, and quite often lead to battles for platform leadership. As incumbent telecommunications service providers transition from the public switched telephone networks to the IP-based data networks, customer expectations are high, challenges are many and failures are costly.(cont.) Verizon Interoperability Forum has taken on this challenge by attempting to develop standards for interfaces for network elements that are used on Verizon's own network. It is proposed that network interfaces' standards exhibit characteristics of network effects and possess a great potential for becoming a de facto standard.by Uday Hardikar.S.M