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Host Identity Protocol (HIP) is a host identification technology used for IP networks. The Internet has two namespaces: DNS and IP address. HIP is used to separate the locator roles and the end point identifiers of IP addresses. This means it separates host identity from its location. HIP also introduces host identity (HI) namespace.
Host Identity Protocol is used for multihoming and provides mobility across IP address families such as IPv4 and IPv6.
Techopedia Explains Host Identity Protocol
All the communication over Internet, and data transmission, are handled by DNS and IP address, the two namespaces. IP address namespaces have two responsibilities:
- Managing the overall network interface
- Handling the location-name
Therefore, it is clear that IP addresses are fully responsible for separating/distinguishing between packet delivery to end nodes and individual hosts.
The HIP protocol enables the system to use mobile computing and multihoming. The location of any host is responsible for routing data packets according to the IP addresses mentioned against their nodes. In HIP networks, IP addresses are eliminated and replaced with cryptographic host identifiers. These identifiers are self-generated.
