On Constructing Persistent Identifiers with Persistent Resolution Targets

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel method for creating maintenance-free Persistent Identifiers by embedding location-independent targets using content-centric network technology, reducing the need for continuous URL updates in digital asset referencing.

Contribution

It proposes a new approach that integrates content-centric networking with existing PID systems, eliminating the need for major modifications or new implementations.

Findings

Validated with Handle PID System and Magnet Links

Demonstrated compatibility with BitTorrent and NDN

Achieved maintenance-free data dissemination

Abstract

Persistent Identifiers (PID) are the foundation referencing digital assets in scientific publications, books, and digital repositories. In its realization, PIDs contain metadata and resolving targets in form of URLs that point to data sets located on the network. In contrast to PIDs, the target URLs are typically changing over time; thus, PIDs need continuous maintenance -- an effort that is increasing tremendously with the advancement of e-Science and the advent of the Internet-of-Things (IoT). Nowadays, billions of sensors and data sets are subject of PID assignment. This paper presents a new approach of embedding location independent targets into PIDs that allows the creation of maintenance-free PIDs using content-centric network technology and overlay networks. For proving the validity of the presented approach, the Handle PID System is used in conjunction with Magnet Link access information encoding, state-of-the-art decentralized data distribution with BitTorrent, and Named Data Networking (NDN) as location-independent data access technology for networks. Contrasting existing approaches, no green-field implementation of PID or major modifications of the Handle System is required to enable location-independent data dissemination with maintenance-free PIDs.