Re: [homenet] support for HNCP in IPv6 CE routers

[james woodyatt <[e-mail]>]

On 10/27/2017 02:38 AM, Juliusz Chroboczek wrote:
>> The protocols we are developing here in HOMENET are for the tiny minority
>> of people who prefer to build their own home networks instead of just
>> plumbing their ISP directly up to every device in their home.
> 
> I think you're underestimating normal people, James.

Bear with me please.

> I do not remember the last time I've been in a flat that didn't have:
> 
>    - an ISP-provided CPE;
>    - a network-connected media playback device (either a Windows machine or
>      a gaming console connected to a large);
>    - a WiFi network with a password that's shared with the guests.

It's worth noting that in the vast majority of cases like you describe, 
the CE router provided by the ISP is only serviceable by the provider, 
or if it *is* serviceable by the subscriber, the serviceability is 
ridiculously tortuous and very limited.

 From the perspective of most "normal" subscribers, that Wi-Fi network 
with the password they share with guests is a service provided by their 
ISP, and it's *not* something they build themselves. I've lost count of 
the number of homes I've visited where the Wi-Fi network and its 
password were configured by the installer technician who pulled the 
cable, and never reconfigured after that.

People who like to build and operate their own home Wi-Fi network seem 
to be a very weird and obscure minority, even in the more utopian parts 
of Europa and not just the barbaric deserts of North America and elsewhere.

 > At least over here, there definitely is a market for non-trivial home 
networks

Indeed, and I think there is definitely a case for IETF establishing 
standards for how to use Internet protocols in them, as HOMENET is 
doing. What I don't think is helpful is gating our development of those 
standards on the predicate that ISPs should have anything to do with it. 
That way lies near certain complete failure.


--james