Network Policy Languages: A Survey and a New Approach
Abstract
In this report a survey of current network policy languages is presented. Next, a summary of the techniques for detecting policy conflicts is given. Finally, a new language, Path-based Policy Language (PPL), which offers improvements to these is introduced. Previous network policy languages vary from the very specific, using packet filters at the bit level, to the more abstract where concepts are represented, with implementation details left up to individual network devices. As background information a policy framework model and policy- based routing protocols are discussed. PPL's path-based approach for representing network policies is advantageous in that Quality of Service (QoS) and security policies can be associated with an explicit path through the network. This assignment of policies to network flows aids in new initiatives such as Integrated Services. The more stringent requirement of supporting path- based policies can be easily relaxed with the use of wild card characters to also support Differentiated Services and best-effort service, which is provided by the Internet today.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA381775
Entities
People
- Bert Lundy
- Gary N. Stone
- Geoffrey Xie
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School