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Internet 6lo Working Group 6lowpan, header compression, ethertype When carried over layer 2 technologies such as Ethernet, IPv6 datagrams using datagram encoding as defined in RFC 4944 and RFC 6282 must be identified so the receiver can correctly interpret the encoded IPv6 datagram. This document requests the assignment of an Ethertype for that purpose.

The IETF has defined a format for IPv6 datagram encoding in and (6loENC). 6loENC as defined in RFC 4944 and RFC 6282 may be extended and modified by future IETF standards document. The intended layer 2 technology for IPv6 datagrams using 6loENC as originally defined is , which does not provide for a protocol switch in its layer 2 headers. There is interest in carrying IPv6 datatgrams over layer 2 technologies that do include a protocol switch field: Usage of 6loENC in conjunction with IEEE 802.15.9 Multiplexed Data Service , which provides the ability to perform upper layer protocol dispatch for IEEE 802.15.4 networks. Wi-SUN Alliance intends to use the 15.9 Multiplexed Data Information Element to dispatch 6loENC frames to upper stack layers. As specified in IEEE 802.15.9, dispatch of 6loENC frames will require an Ethertype be assigned for 6loENC. 6loENC will likely be needed for WiFi Alliance's HaLoW standard (low power operation in the 900 MHz band) Other layer 2 technologies such as Ethernet and debugging tools such as Wireshark require a unique protocol type field for 6loENC to properly interpret IPv6 datagrams that use 6loENC.

When this document is published, the IETF will formally submit a request to IEEE for assignment of an Ethertype for IPv6 datagrams using 6loENC.

This memo includes no request to IANA.

This document is intended only to request assignment of an Ethertype for IPv6 datagrams using 6loENC. It has no incremental implications for security beyond those in the relevant protocols.

&RFC2460; &RFC4944; &RFC6282; &IEEE802154; Wi-Fi Alliance IEEE