RFC 6897 · INFORMATIONAL · 2013

Multipath TCP Application Interface Considerations

Overview

RFC 6897, “Multipath TCP Application Interface Considerations”, is an Informational document published in March 2013 by M. Scharf, A. Ford. The canonical text is published by the RFC Editor.

Abstract

Multipath TCP (MPTCP) adds the capability of using multiple paths to a regular TCP session. Even though it is designed to be totally backward compatible to applications, the data transport differs compared to regular TCP, and there are several additional degrees of freedom that applications may wish to exploit. This document summarizes the impact that MPTCP may have on applications, such as changes in performance. Furthermore, it discusses compatibility issues of MPTCP in combination with non-MPTCP-aware applications. Finally, the document describes a basic application interface that is a simple extension of TCP's interface for MPTCP-aware applications.

Abstract as published in the RFC, via rfc-editor.org.

What “Informational” means

Published for the general information of the community. It does not define an IETF standard and carries no standards-track status.

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