Importance

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Abstract

A method for selective disclosure of the identity of a communication protocol under which an information packet originated, but without incorrectly identifying the protocol in a header accompanying the packet. If there is a need to conceal the identity of the underlying source protocol, a special anonymous protocol identifier is used, instead of the real protocol identifier, in the header of an encrypted information packet. Network monitors can then still provide accurate information concerning traffic on the network, without having this information distorted by the use of incorrect communication protocols. If there is a desire to reveal the underlying protocol, a subnetwork protocol frame format is used to store the protocol identity and signify whether the packet is encrypted. A packet that is of a non-subnetwork protocol can be encapsulated with a subnetwork header containing a special code signifying that there is an encapsulated packet and containing the original protocol identifier.

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First Claim