| Abstract
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As a result of the nature of network address translation middleboxes
(NATs), communicating endpoints that are separated by one or more
NATs do not know how to refer to themselves using addresses that are
valid in the addressing realms of their (current and future) peers.
Various proposals have been made for "UNilateral Self-Address Fixing
(UNSAF)" processes. These are processes whereby some originating
endpoint attempts to determine or fix the address (and port) by
which it is known to another endpoint -- e.g., to be able to use
address data in the protocol exchange, or to advertise a public
address from which it will receive connections.
This document outlines the reasons for which these proposals can be
considered at best as short term fixes to specific problems, and the
specific issues to be carefully evaluated before creating an UNSAF
proposal.
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