[IPFIX] Comments on draft-kashima-ipfix-data-link-layer-monitoring-01.txt

[Nevil Brownlee <[e-mail]>]

Hi all:

This draft introuces three new IPFIX Information Elements (IEs)
that would enable IPFIX to be used for monitoring (parts of) in
data-link-layer parts of packet headers.  It concentrates on Ethernet,
especially as used in providing layer-2 VPN services (IEEE 802.1ad
and 802.1ah).

Now that I've read it and thought about it, I have three comments:

1. The IPFIX/PSAMP architecture standardises the collection of
    *IP-related* data, this proposal would extend it to cover data from
    other parts of a packet's headers.  That would be a significant
    extension.  Is there support for such a generalisation?

2. It's presented as a simple, minimal extension to IPFIX/PSAMP,
    simply adding three new IEs PSAMP IEs, i.e with numbers above 338.
    Does it provide enough detail?  Should there be more than just three?
    For example, how about having separate IEs for S-VID, C-VID, B-VID
    and I=SID?  What other IEs are needed for PPP and WiMAX?

3. The description of proposed IE dataLinkFrameType seems rather
    minimal - eventually we'll want to add more data link types.  For
    example, the ifType-MIB (www.iana.org/assignments/ianaiftype-mib)
    has a much longer list.  Maybe we have to choose here between a long
    list of types, each with its own set of fields, or a short list of
    very general fields?  A short, simple list seems very appealing!

Cheers, Nevil

-- 
---------------------------------------------------------------------
  Nevil Brownlee                    Computer Science Department | ITS
  Phone: [phone] x88941             The University of Auckland
  FAX: [phone]   Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand