[dev-disc] Re: device discovery BOF

[Pedro Roque Marques]

Thomas Narten writes:

>> I would like to request a time slot for a BOF on device discovery
>> on the upcoming IETF meeting.

> What is the problem statement for this effort? That is, what problem
> needs to be solved

There are two distinct problems that are usually bundled in this area:
- populating a topology MIB [RFC 2922]
- discovery of adajcent devices without relying on correct L3
configuration.

Both the documents that i refered to bellow discuss the problem they
are addressing.

>> The purpose of this BOF is to evaluate the interest of the IETF
>> community in solutions for detecting adjacent systems.

>> Discussion of possible solutions would include: - DDP
>> (draft-marques-ddp-00.txt) - LLDP (802.1ab)

> It doesn't make sense to spend a lot of time on solutions until we
> have a good handle on what the problem is that needs solving.

I believe the industry has a good handle on the problem. Several
vendors have their own solutions in this space which, to my knowledge,
tend to address the requirements. The only concern is that these
solutions are not, at the moment, publicly documented and
interoperable.

The IEEE 802.1ab effort, for instance, is trying to address this
issue. The question is does the IETF want to participate and
contribute to the process.

> Also, who is on this list (i.e., how many subscribers?) 

~ 20 people.

> and where has it been advertised?

It has not. Just word-of-mouth.
Do you have suggestions on this domain ?

thanks,
  Pedro.