Binding via service netlet reuse

When a warrant is bound by a netlet, the node may use an already existing netlet to provide the service. A netlet may be reused in such a way only if certain security and financial criteria are met:

• Security criteria

  These criteria ensure that the existing netlet really does implement the intended service, preventing third parties masquerading as the service provider. They must all hold:

  • The warrant being used to bind the service contains a service identifier.
  • The warrant is signed by the provider.
  • The descriptor from which the existing netlet was created is signed by the same provider.
  • The warrants are identical.
• Accounting criteria

  These criteria ensure that one client does not pay for the provision of a service to an unrelated client. This might be the case if a single service provides for multiple, unrelated contracts. Either may hold:

  • The existing netlet was bound into a specially created accounting group whose resources are being paid for by the service provider.

    -or-

  • The existing netlet is in the same accounting group as the netlet performing the bind.

The node may choose not to re-use service netlets. A service must not assume that a netlet will be reused.