[DNA] The difference between identity and identifier (was Re: DNA GoalsIssue List)

[Pekka Nikander <pekka.nikander@nomadiclab.com>]

> I am not sure you need to detect the identity of currently attached
> link for quick configuration either. For example, considering the
> CPL as the link identity, you don't need to detect the identity of
> currently attached link (the COMPLETE prefix list)

Well, independent of the real technical argument (where I lean
towards Erik's argumentation), I think that there is a lurking
language issue here.  According to my experience, people seem
to often have a difficulty in making the subtle but important
difference between "identity" and "identifier".

In this particular case, the CPL is an identifier (or the identifier,
if you will,) for the link.  The link identity, i.e. the fact that the
link exist and is unique, is distinct from the CPL, which is a mere
identifier.

Hence, IMHO, it is valid to argue that DNA aims to detecting the
_identity_ of the link.  That does not imply that you _necessarily_
need to have (unique) identifiers.  In principle, an entity can exist
and have an identity without having any identifier that denotes it.

(Sorry for the lengthy explanation but this is one of my pet peeves.)

--Pekka Nikander