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The DDT tunneling model for Internet networks is introduced. The model, which has already been implemented on BSD Networking Software, is designed to isolate private networks in corporate networks, save Internet address space behind a gateway and secure virtual networks. To this end, several common tunneling problems such as explosion of packets, error reporting, encapsulation overheads and inefficient routing are addressed.

Several abstractions arose out of the development of the Vendor Independent Network Control Entity (Vince) networking software for developing protocols for asynchronous transfer mode networks. Concepts which emerged from Vince include extensible system architecture, atom scheduling, generic addressing, protocol stack assembly, copyless data buffering and layer bridging across disjoint operating system spaces.

The Internet Mobile Host Protocol (IMHP) is introduced. Unlike other protocols, IMHP enables transparent and seamless mobility during routing transactions in an IP environment using only the 'mobile host's home IP address.' Specifically, it eliminates the need for changes in stationary hosts which have links with mobile hosts and in mobile hosts above the IP hierarchy. Several examples of packet transmissions are discussed.

A new mechanism for the distribution of RFC1327 mapping rules via the Internet Domain Name System has been proposed and tested. The proposal, which aims to simplify conversion between the mail protocols RFC822/SMTP and X.400, has led to the development of a new RFC1327 gateway. The gateway, which is implemented over the INFNet backbone, enhanced the efficiency and fault tolerance of the E-mail distribution backbone implementing the RFC822/SMTP and X.400 protocols.

The Internet community has moved to address the problems associated scaling and insufficient hierarchical addresses of the IP Internet layer protocol. To this end, it is developing a next generation IP, IPng, to raise the number of hierarchy levels for addressing. In view of this, both geographical and provider-rooted hierarchical addresses are evaluated. The latter is proven to be the only viable option given the unregulated landscape of the Internet network.

Application of the X.500 standard for Directory Services is evaluated. The standard, which is also known as the OSI Directory, was developed to provide information as a global distributed database. Attempts are made to develop a user interface to integrate with the standard. It is shown that the X.500 is successful as a white pages service provider. However, protocol modifications are required to simplify the process for user interface design.

A study conducted by the RARE Technical Committee underscores the need for a a network protocol system that will enable users to access multimedia data remotely. This can be achieved by developing conversion tools from commercial multimedia authoring packages to the World-Wide Web system, a large-scale distributed hypermedia system that allows different servers to gain access to remote databases. Such tools will prevent the occurrence of incompatibilities among the different protocols used in various network architectures.

Four mobile host protocols (MHPs) compatible with the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) are compared in terms of predetermined evaluative performance criteria. Technology has contributed to widespread global network connectivity with the emergence of notebook and palm top computers, wireless network interfaces and global networks that the need for mobile host protocols cannot be overlooked. Results of the evaluation of four TCP/IP compatible MHP proposals offer possibilities for debate.

The CCITT/ISO electronic mail standard X.400/MOTIS is the ideal carrier for document delivery services. X. 400 is universally available and can accommodate document requests through the same electronic mail channel. Electronic document delivery can generate automatic status reports and send back information upon request. X.400-based electronic delivery can also integrate various aspects of the document supply service.

A synchronous and asynchronous data flow management structure analytic model is developed for integrated networks evaluation. The access control strategy, as specified by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 802.9 protocol, is studied for improving efficiency and flexibility in heterogenous traffic networks. The traffic scheme is shown to have improved over-all system performance. The evaluation scheme used can be generalized for most integrated services digital network interfaces.

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 802.6 Working Group has recommended the distributed queue dual bus (DQDB) architecture for subnetworks. A DQDB-based network uses the medium access control protocol to control two unidirectional buses for two-way information communications. A simulation of the network allows for delay characteristics evaluation. It is shown that a bandwidth balancing mechanism provides superior network performance.

An evaluation of proposed Layer 2 protocols showed that the Basic Adaptation Sublayer protocol can perform complex functions and still provide regulated signalling traffic to the layer. These protocols allow broadband integrated networks working on Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) principles to carry both signalling and packet data. Sublayering efficiently groups subfunctions, allowing the widest possible use of the protocols in an integrated system. The ATM protocol stack is thereby simplified.

Two proposed access protocols for voice and data integration on ring networks perform better than some protocols already in use. One of the evaluated protocols was a hybrid scheme based on the slotted and register insertion ring protocols while the other was based on the standard token ring network. Both provide decentralized priority to voice stations, ensuring quick transmission access while keeping delay throughput performance at a minimum for all data stations.