Transport Layer Networking

TL;DR

This paper proposes a new transport layer design that introduces novel forwarding behaviors between layers 4 and 7, maintaining IP compatibility and aiming to enhance global high-energy physics data infrastructure.

Contribution

It introduces a new session layer design with minimal impact on existing protocols, enabling advanced data transfer modes without changing the IP layer.

Findings

Maintains 100% IP compatibility

Enables new data transfer modes at the session layer

Aims to improve global high-energy physics data infrastructure

Abstract

In this paper we focus on the invention of new network forwarding behaviors between network Layers 4 and Layer 7 in the OSI network model. Our design goal is to propose no changes to L3 - The IP network layer, thus maintaining 100% compatibility with the existing internet. Small changes are made to L4 the transport layer, and a new design for a session ( L5 ) is proposed. This new capability is intended to have minimal or no impact on the application layer, except for exposing the ability for L7 to select this new mode of data transfer or not. The invention of new networking technologies is frequently done in an academic setting, however the design needs to be constrained by practical considerations for cost, operational feasibility, robustness and scale. Our goal is to improve the production data infrastructure for HEP 24/7 on a global scale.