The geomorphic view of networking: a network model and its uses

The Internet is evolving away from its original architecture and toward the use of multiple, customized protocol stacks. A pluralistic architecture is best explained by the "geomorphic view" of networks, in which each layer is a microcosm of networking, and layers can be instantiated at many different levels, scopes, and purposes. Exploiting the commonalities identified by the geomorphic view, an abstract layer model can lead to architectural insights that help extend communication services, derive design principles, and generate network software.