Visa Inc.
Embedding credentials in network addresses

Abstract:

A technique for embedding and utilizing credentials in a network address may include requesting a network address for a client device by providing an account identifier to a server computer associated with a service provider. A network address that is mapped to the account identifier can be assigned to the client device. The network address may include a routing prefix field and a network interface identifier field. The routing prefix field may include an issuer identifier of an issuer of the account, and the network interface identifier field may include an interface identifier that maps to the account identifier. By embedding credentials such as an account identifier in the network address, the actual account identifier need not be transmitted to perform actions on the account.