Technical Summary
RFC3261 constrained several SIP header fields whose grammar contains
the "name-addr / addr-spec" alternative to use name-addr when certain
characters appear. Unfortunately it expressed the constraints with
prose copied into each header field definition, and at least one
header field was missed. Further, the constraint has not been copied
into documents defining extension headers whose grammar contains the
alternative.
This document updates RFC3261 to state the constraint generically,
and clarifies that the constraint applies to all SIP header fields
where there is a choice between using name-addr or addr-spec. It
also updates those extension SIP header fields that use the
alternative to clarify that the constraint applies (RFCs 3325, 3515,
3892, 4508, 5002, 5318, 5360, and 5502).
Working Group Summary
This defect in 3261 has plagued SIP for some time, and is responsible
for several errata. The working group was universal in it’s desire to
fix this once and for all.
Document Quality
The document has been well reviewed within the SIP working group.
A number of improvements have been made based on reviewer comments.
The document is short, to the point, and clear.
Personnel
Brian Rosen is the document shepherd. Ben Campbell is the responsible
area director.