[middisc] TCP middlebox option requirements

["Knutsen, Andrew" <[e-mail]>]

   While we're waiting for any more details that may help us reach consensus on the format of the option, I've been thinking about the text we'll use to restrict its uses.  This text would be guidance to the IANA (or other assigning authority) to determine when to assign a vendor or standard code.  It could also be used for policing after assignment, but thats a bit more problematic (although that's all that would be possible in the OUI/PEN case).

   There are a few details to be considered, but I'm curious about one thing which is perhaps fundamental:

   Do we anticipate any use of this option where the intended consumer of the option is the actual host at the destination IP address?  (Excepting responses).

   To me, this is a pretty clear discriminator for a "middlebox option".  My impression is that we want a minimum of requirements in the text, so that we can all use this for the things we need it for; however we also want to make sure its not a "catch-all", like the old SNAP option.

Andrew