Overview
ISO/IEC 16317:2011 - titled “Information technology - Telecommunications and information exchange between systems - proxZzzy for sleeping hosts” - defines a standards-based architecture and behaviour for network proxies that maintain connectivity for devices while the host remains in a low‑power (sleep) state. The standard’s goal is practical energy savings: a low‑power proxy handles routine network tasks so high‑power devices (PCs, printers, game consoles, set‑top boxes) can extend sleep time without losing network presence.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Proxy capabilities and host‑proxy information: specifies what capabilities a proxy may expose and what data must be exchanged when a host sleeps or wakes.
- Media support: proxy behaviour for IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet) and IEEE 802.11 (Wi‑Fi) is addressed (implement one or both).
- Mandatory protocol handling: IPv4 ARP and IPv6 Neighbor Discovery handling are mandatory components of the basic framework.
- Wake packet handling: requirements for recognizing and acting on wake packets are mandatory.
- Proxy actions: required and optional proxy behaviours include responding to incoming packets, generating routine traffic, ignoring certain packets, and raising a wake event for the host.
- Optional protocols / features: DHCP, DNS, IGMP, MLD, remote access (SIP/IPv4, Teredo/IPv6), SNMP, mDNS, and LLMNR can be supported as Options.
- Conformance: implementations must meet mandatory Clause 6 items and may implement zero or more Clause 8 options.
- Scope limits: ISO/IEC 16317 does not mandate host‑proxy communication mechanisms, nor does it define or alter referenced protocol specifications; it also explicitly excludes specification of security or tunnelling protocols such as IPsec, MACsec, SSL/TLS, Mobile IP, etc.
Practical applications and who uses this standard
- Device manufacturers and OS/network stack engineers: integrate proxy support so devices can achieve longer sleep times without losing network functionality.
- Network equipment vendors (routers, access points, managed switches): implement proxy functions in network attachments to support client energy management.
- Energy efficiency programs and auditors (e.g., Energy Star): use the standard as a reference for platform‑independent proxy behaviour that yields measurable power savings.
- IoT, enterprise desktops, multimedia and consumer electronics designers: reduce standby power while keeping devices reachable for updates, remote access and discovery.
Related Standards (if applicable)
- IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet) and IEEE 802.11 (Wi‑Fi) - media technologies referenced for proxy behaviour
- RFC 826 (ARP), RFC 4861 (IPv6 Neighbor Discovery), RFC 2460 (IPv6) and related IETF documents - normative protocol references
- Energy efficiency specifications (e.g., Energy Star Computer Specification) - programmatic motivation and alignment
Keywords: ISO/IEC 16317, proxZzzy, sleeping hosts, network proxy, power management, 802.11, 802.3, ARP, Neighbor Discovery, wake packet, energy savings.