Routing of network messages

摘要

A routing protocol is provided for exchanging messages between an initial sender and an ultimate receiver, potentially via a set of intermediaries. The routing protocol provides an optional reverse message path that enables two-way message exchange patterns. The routing protocol can be expressed as a header entry within a message envelope, is independent of the underlying protocol, and can be generated at the application layer of a protocol stack. The routing protocol may allow each intermediary to process the message and dynamically alter the message path en route to the intended recipient.