Communication networks are tools that enable users to communicate
and provide access to information and services. The networks
and their intrinsic technologies are only facilitators; their operation
and management should not concern the users. However, the
situation today is different. Users must be familiar and distinguish
between the technical and commercial specifics of networks of
different types. In addition, access to these networks is often restricted
due to security and business considerations. Usage requires
pre-established, per-network subscriptions, although static,
pre-established roaming agreements can extend the scope of these
subscriptions to some other networks of the same technology. Furthermore,
incompatibilities and inconsistencies between network
functionality – especially in naming and addressing schemes –
limit the potential usefulness of the available networks. The cur-rent networking capabilities thus do not yet support a vision where
services and information are the focus and access and networking
details are transparent to the user. In essence, a more advanced internetworking
mechanism than provided by the current usage of
the Internet Protocol is needed.