4. Implementation Scenarios

During development of this specification, two types of deployments were discussed.

The first can be viewed as a "dedicated deployment". In this mode, DLEP routers and modems are either directly connected (e.g., using crossover cables to connect interfaces) or connected to a dedicated switch. An example of this type of deployment would be a router with a line-of-sight radio connected into one interface, with a satellite modem connected into another interface. In mobile environments, the router and the connected modem (or modems) are placed into a mobile platform (e.g., a vehicle, boat, or airplane). In this mode, when a switch is used, it is possible that a small number of ancillary devices (e.g., a laptop) are also plugged into the switch. But in either event, the resulting network segment is constrained to a small number of devices and is not generally accessible from anywhere else in the network.

The other type of deployment envisioned can be viewed as a "networked deployment". In this type of scenario, the DLEP router and modem (or modems) are placed on a segment that is accessible from other points in the network. In this scenario, not only are the DLEP router and modem(s) accessible from other points in the network; the router and a given modem could be multiple physical hops away from each other. This scenario necessitates the use of Layer 2 tunneling technology to enforce the single-hop requirement of DLEP.