Addresstell

Addresstell is a hypothetical addressing framework proposed in discussions of next-generation resource naming. It envisions a unified, persistent address for any object or resource—physical location, digital service, or identity—that remains stable even as underlying networks shift.

A typical addresstell address consists of hierarchical components separated by colons, with an optional metadata segment. Core elements may include a namespace or domain, a region or scope, a resource type, and an instance identifier. Addresses may also register a version and a set of capabilities or access constraints. For example: addresstell:geo:us:ia:device:thermometer-0423;ver=3;cap=serial-abc123;priv=acl-rotor.

Resolution in addresstell relies on resolvers—service endpoints that map an addresstell address to a network endpoint, geographic location, or cryptographic identity. Resolvers can be distributed or delegated in a hierarchical fashion, and may support offline resolution through cached catalogs. Security and privacy considerations include optional encryption, minimization of metadata leakage, and access-control lists attached to address components.

Status and use of the concept remain exploratory. It is not standardized or widely implemented, and appears mainly in theoretical or experimental discussions. Proponents argue that addresstell could improve interoperability across cloud providers, IoT ecosystems, and digital twins by decoupling identity, location, and access. Critics point to design complexity, potential centralization of resolvers, and governance challenges. See also: URI, URL, URN, IPFS, DOI.