IFAADDRESS

IFAADDRESS is a formal identifier used within the IFA addressing framework. It serves to uniquely identify resources such as devices, services, or data objects within an IFA domain and is used by software that implements this model.

The IFA addressing scheme is designed to provide persistent references that are decoupled from changes in network topology. An IFAADDRESS enables stable, semantic references for service discovery, auditing, and cross-system integration across distributed environments.

Format and syntax: An IFAADDRESS uses a hierarchical, colon-delimited namespace that starts with the IFA prefix. Examples include ifa:device:router-01 and ifa:service:auth-v2. Local identifiers are issued by the IFA Registry to ensure global uniqueness within a domain.

Resolution and usage: Applications use an IFA resolver or directory to map an IFAADDRESS to metadata or concrete endpoints, such as network locations or access policies. The address itself remains stable even when underlying services move or reconfigure.

Governance and security: The IFA Registry governs creation and revocation of IFAADDRESS values. Validation may employ digital signatures or cryptographic proofs to verify ownership and prevent spoofing. Because it is an application-layer identifier, IFAADDRESS is typically used alongside URI, DNS, or service-discovery mechanisms.

Relation to other identifiers: Unlike IP addresses, an IFAADDRESS is not a routable network address and does not imply reachability. It is a portable reference that can be mapped to endpoints as needed.

See also: IFA Registry; Identifier; URI; DNS; Service discovery.