Enhanced message addressing capabilities for computer networks

Abstract

Three message addressing modes are described: 1) Logical adderssing, in which a permanantly,assigned address denotes one or more physical addresses. This permits multiple connections from the subscriber to the network, as well as other functions. 2) Broadcast adderssing, in which a messase is addressed to all subscribers. 3) Group addressing and multidestination addressing, in which a message carries the name of a list of addresses, or the list itself. These methods facilitate many new ways of using computer networks. The paper focuses on two basic issues for each method: efficiency and reliability, and recommends implementation approaches in each case. Significant performance improvements are possible if these addressing methods are implemented with efficient delivery mechanisms. A distinction is made between virtual circuit and datagram systems; virtual circuits are superior for logical addressing, while datagrams are preferable for broadcast, group, and multidestination addressing.