ENDEMIC: End-to-End Network Disruptions - Examining Middleboxes, Issues, and Countermeasures - A Survey

Abstract

Network middleboxes are important components in modern networking systems, impacting approximately 40% of network paths according to recent studies [1]. This survey paper delves into their endemic presence, enriches the original 2002 RFC with over two decades of findings, and emphasizes the significance of their impact in terms of security and performance. Furthermore, it categorizes network middleboxes based on their functions, objectives, and alterations. In today’s world, network middleboxes emerge as a dual-edged sword. While important for network operations, they also pose security risks. We present the various challenges they introduce, including their contribution to Internet ossification, their potential for censorship, monitoring, and traffic differentiation. Substantial effort remains to make their presence more visible to end users. This paper explores potential solutions, ranging from prevention and detection to curative measures. Ultimately, we aim to establish this survey as a foundational resource for addressing challenges revolving around the notion of network middleboxes, thereby fostering further research and innovation in this area.