RFC 9170 · INFORMATIONAL · 2021

Long-Term Viability of Protocol Extension Mechanisms

Overview

RFC 9170, “Long-Term Viability of Protocol Extension Mechanisms”, is an Informational document published in December 2021 by M. Thomson, T. Pauly. The canonical text is published by the RFC Editor.

Abstract

The ability to change protocols depends on exercising the extension and version-negotiation mechanisms that support change. This document explores how regular use of new protocol features can ensure that it remains possible to deploy changes to a protocol. Examples are given where lack of use caused changes to be more difficult or costly.

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.

Read this RFC

The canonical text of RFC 9170 is hosted at rfc-editor.org. Available in HTML,TXT,PDF,XML.

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