Relationship Layer
Defines communication contexts, continuity, identity constraints, trust material, and authorization.
Relationship-centric communication
Participant Relationship Protocol
PRP is a communication architecture in which communication becomes possible because a relationship already exists, not because a participant can be located through a globally coordinated address.
Communication becomes possible because a relationship already exists.
Architectural position
Relationships are the primary communication object.
PRP separates communication continuity from address continuity. A relationship defines permissions, trust material, identity constraints, authorization boundaries, and the continuity needed for communication over time.
Routes, transports, and carriers are replaceable realization mechanisms. A relationship may survive changes in topology, carrier technology, governance participation, and participant location.
Primary objects
PRP shifts the architectural center.
Architecture
Core layers preserve the relationship-centric model.
Routing Layer
Defines communication trajectories used to realize a relationship without becoming participant identity.
Transport Layer
Defines authenticated information exchange between participants inside a relationship context.
Carrier Layer
Moves communication data through packet networks, streams, intermittent media, logistics, or future carriers.
Design goals
Built for continuity across changing infrastructure.
- Continuity before identity
- Identity is not location
- Routing is derived, not foundational
- Carrier neutrality
- Governance optionality
- Local decision making
- Evidence over global reputation
- Architectural minimalism
Project status
Specification first, implementation in progress.
Release Candidate 1
The foundational architecture document defines PRP terminology, principles, layers, boundaries, and conformance rules.
Preprint released
The relationship-centric communication paper introduces the model and positions PRP against address-centric systems.
libprp under construction
The reference implementation repository is expected at prp-protocol/libprp as the implementation work becomes available.
Documents