Abstract: A method of establishing a connection between a second host and an application socket on a first host. The method utilizes the Host Identity Protocol (HIP). The method includes the steps of establishing either a new or a selected existing HIP Security Association between the first and second hosts; creating a new or selecting an existing Tube Association between the application socket and the Security Association; and forming an association for the connection between the application socket, the Security Association, and the Tube Association. This establishes a connection between the second host and the application socket on the first host through the Security Association and the Tube Association.

Abstract: A method is provided of using the Host Identity Protocol, HIP, to establish a connection between a second host (32) and an application socket (42) on a first host (30), comprising establishing a new or selecting an existing HIP Security Association (46) between the first and second hosts (30, 32), creating a new or selecting an existing Tube Association (44), identified by a Tube Identifier, between the application socket (42) and the Security Association (46), forming an association (43, 45) for the connection between the application socket (42), the Security Association (46) and the Tube Association (44), thereby establishing a connection between the second host (32) and the application socket (42) on the first host (30) through the Security Association (46) and Tube Association (44).