Measuring Networks Using IP Options

Injecting purposely-created probing traffic makes it possible to detect the presence and location of performance issues or faults, to reveal the topology of the network, and to investigate related properties. While researchers and network operators still rely on traditional tools (e.g., traceroute or ping) to shed light on the Internet, here we present six novel measurement techniques based on IP options. We show how IP options can still offer unforeseen ways to augment the knowledge about networks, potentially presenting both new threats and new opportunities for different stakeholders.