Cost-Saving + Interoperability Case for MAC-Based OTR Networks

Traditional networks require routers, DHCP servers, NAT tables, and DNS — each of which costs money to license, maintain, and secure.
OTR nodes skip all that. Devices use their built-in MAC address for communication, authentication, and routing.
Especially in field deployments, disaster zones, rural missions, or space — this eliminates the need for provisioning or IP assignment.

Savings: Thousands per site/month in infrastructure, licensing, and IT staff overhead.

OTR doesn’t force you to abandon your existing IP network. Instead, it runs as a layer beneath or beside traditional IP via:
- mac_router (MAC → Validator → CID)
- Optional fallback: IP-to-MAC bridge module for hybrid systems
This means you can use it as an interoperable mesh inside existing IP-based WANs or LANs — even at an enterprise or agency scale.

Result: Seamless migration path, not a rip-and-replace.

IP spoofing, ARP poisoning, and subnet hijacking are real problems in DHCP-based networks.
In OTR, each MAC is:
- Cryptographically tied to a validator
- Logged with a timestamp and proof
- Optionally fingerprinted for integrity
This reduces the cost of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and manual access controls.

Result: Lower compliance and monitoring costs.

DHCP lease conflicts, stale entries, DNS latency, or failed renewals can all cause network-wide outages.
MAC-based OTR nodes never lease or expire. They can:
- Operate offline
- Relay CIDs without address resolution
- Recover instantly after disconnection or reboot

Outcome: Fewer tickets, lower downtime, and no DHCP-related blackouts.

Whether in space, submarines, military field units, or air-gapped labs, MAC-based routing allows:
- RF-based communication (HF/FT8/SSTV)
- Laser or Li-Fi line-of-sight CID relay
- Fully air-gapped local mesh clusters

Net Result: Lower satellite link costs, less dependency on centralized cloud services.