Technical Summary
When routing devices rely on modems to effect communications over
wireless links, they need timely and accurate knowledge of the
characteristics of the link (speed, state, etc.) in order to make
routing decisions. In mobile or other environments where these
characteristics change frequently, manual configurations or the
inference of state through routing or transport protocols does not
allow the router to make the best decisions. A bidirectional, event-
driven communication channel between the router and the modem is
necessary.
Working Group Summary
Development of the DLEP document has taken quite some time with a
few major revisions along the way. DLEP has previously passed WGLC
but was then sent back to the WG after an extensive RtgDir review. As
a result the document was split into two documents the base specification
(this document) and one for a credit windowing extension. There were
also some minor technical changes were made, some major editorial changes
were done.
There is support within the working group on moving this document forward.
Previous areas of contention within DLEP were worked out within the working
group with no serious objections regarding the final decisions.
Document Quality
There are multiple existing implementations of the protocol, at least 4
independent ones are known. There is broad support within industry and more
implementations are expected once standardized and well as demand on the
customer side.
One of the aspects to highlight is that the known implementations are all
to be deployed in "secured perimeter" applications; in some cases the router
and the modem are part of the same chassis.
Personnel
Document Shepherd is Justin Dean
Area Director Alvaro Retana
RFC Editor Note
RFC Editor Note
Bo Berry has unfortunely passed away. Because he was one of the original
authors of this work, the authors/WG decided to keep his name on the
document to honor his memory. The Responsible AD (Alvaro Retana) will
be making any needed approvals in Bo's name.