ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the TCP/IP protocol suite and the basics of networking, such as naming, addressing, routing, and multicast. The chapter forms the basis for the following chapters, because typically TCP/IP is the underlay of the overlay networks and thus understanding its features and properties is vital for the development of efficient overlay solutions. The chapter places emphasis on interdomain routing, because it is key for scalable and policy-compliant global networking. Overlay solutions should ensure that the underlay is used in an efficient and policy-compliant manner [203].
