This document is presented for publication as an Informational RFC on the
Independent Stream.
It provides an operator's perception of the benefits that may be provided by
intermediary devices that execute functions beyond normal IP forwarding. Such
intermediary devices are often called "middleboxes".
This work was originally discussed in the SPUD/PLUS effort at IETF-97 and then
in the TSVarea at IETF-98.
Failing the generation of a working group effort, the authors wanted to record
an operator's view of the functions of middleboxes.
Along the way, the document was reviewed by Gorry Fairhurst and by the ISE, and
updated accordingly.