The Network Access Identifier
RFC 2486
Document | Type |
RFC - Proposed Standard
(January 1999; Errata)
Obsoleted by RFC 4282
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Last updated | 2013-03-02 | ||
Stream | IETF | ||
Formats | plain text pdf html bibtex | ||
Stream | WG state | (None) | |
Document shepherd | No shepherd assigned | ||
IESG | IESG state | RFC 2486 (Proposed Standard) | |
Consensus Boilerplate | Unknown | ||
Telechat date | |||
Responsible AD | (None) | ||
Send notices to | (None) |
Network Working Group B. Aboba Request for Comments: 2486 Microsoft Category: Standards Track M. Beadles WorldCom Advanced Networks January 1999 The Network Access Identifier Status of this Memo This document specifies an Internet standards track protocol for the Internet community, and requests discussion and suggestions for improvements. Please refer to the current edition of the "Internet Official Protocol Standards" (STD 1) for the standardization state and status of this protocol. Distribution of this memo is unlimited. Copyright Notice Copyright (C) The Internet Society (1999). All Rights Reserved. 1. Abstract In order to enhance the interoperability of roaming and tunneling services, it is desirable to have a standardized method for identifying users. This document proposes syntax for the Network Access Identifier (NAI), the userID submitted by the client during PPP authentication. It is expected that this will be of interest for support of roaming as well as tunneling. "Roaming capability" may be loosely defined as the ability to use any one of multiple Internet service providers (ISPs), while maintaining a formal, customer-vendor relationship with only one. Examples of where roaming capabilities might be required include ISP "confederations" and ISP-provided corporate network access support. 2. Introduction Considerable interest has arisen recently in a set of features that fit within the general category of "roaming capability" for dialup Internet users. Interested parties have included: Regional Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operating within a particular state or province, looking to combine their efforts with those of other regional providers to offer dialup service over a wider area. Aboba & Beadles Standards Track [Page 1] RFC 2486 The Network Access Identifier January 1999 National ISPs wishing to combine their operations with those of one or more ISPs in another nation to offer more comprehensive dialup service in a group of countries or on a continent. Businesses desiring to offer their employees a comprehensive package of dialup services on a global basis. Those services may include Internet access as well as secure access to corporate intranets via a Virtual Private Network (VPN), enabled by tunneling protocols such as PPTP, L2F, L2TP, and IPSEC tunnel mode. In order to enhance the interoperability of roaming and tunneling services, it is desirable to have a standardized method for identifying users. This document proposes syntax for the Network Access Identifier (NAI). Examples of implementations that use the NAI, and descriptions of its semantics, can be found in [1]. 2.1. Terminology This document frequently uses the following terms: Network Access Identifier The Network Access Identifier (NAI) is the userID submitted by the client during PPP authentication. In roaming, the purpose of the NAI is to identify the user as well as to assist in the routing of the authentication request. Please note that the NAI may not necessarily be the same as the user's e-mail address or the userID submitted in an application layer authentication. Network Access Server The Network Access Server (NAS) is the device that clients dial in order to get access to the network. In PPTP terminology this is referred to as the PPTP Access Concentrator (PAC), and in L2TP terminology, it is referred to as the L2TP Access Concentrator (LAC). Roaming Capability Roaming capability can be loosely defined as the ability to use any one of multiple Internet service providers (ISPs), while maintaining a formal, customer-vendor relationship with only one. Examples of cases where roaming capability might be required include ISP "confederations" and ISP- provided corporate network access support. Aboba & Beadles Standards Track [Page 2] RFC 2486 The Network Access Identifier January 1999 Tunneling Service A tunneling service is any network service enabled by tunneling protocols such as PPTP, L2F, L2TP, and IPSEC tunnel mode. One example of a tunneling service is secure access to corporate intranets via a Virtual Private Network (VPN). 2.2. Requirements languageShow full document text