Technical Summary
This document describes how TCP option codepoints can support
concurrent experiments using a magic number field. It extends
the option structure for experimental codepoints (253, 254) with
a magic number, which is used to differentiate different experiments.
This mechanism avoids the need for a coordinated registry, and is
backward-compatible with currently known uses. It is recommended for
all new experimental RFCs that require TCP option codepoints.
Working Group Summary
The document was accepted by the TCPM working group with support
from a significant number of participants. It was discussed in
several meetings and on the mailing list. Given that the mechanism
proposed by the document is technically simple, the TCPM discussion
mainly focused on process questions and a clear description of
the normative parts of the document. There was only one clarification
question during the working group last call. In summary, it
is strong consensus in the TCPM working group that the document
describes the best solution to deal with shared use of experimental
TCP option codepoints.
Document Quality
Several implementations of experimental protocols have already
documented the use of the magic numbers as specified in this document.
The document is a short and technically straightforward and does not
require extensive technical review.
Personnel
The document sheperd is Michael Scharf <michael.scharf@alcatel-lucent.com>.
The responsible Area Director is Martin Stiemerling <martin.stiemerling@neclab.eu>.