Merge pull request #1078 from dklempner/run_tests_timeout

Unconditionally add a newline if a test times out or fails.
diff --git a/src/compiler/python_generator.cc b/src/compiler/python_generator.cc
index 8136602..e4f8545 100644
--- a/src/compiler/python_generator.cc
+++ b/src/compiler/python_generator.cc
@@ -381,7 +381,7 @@
 bool PrintPreamble(const FileDescriptor* file, Printer* out) {
   out->Print("import abc\n");
   out->Print("from grpc.early_adopter import implementations\n");
-  out->Print("from grpc.early_adopter import utilities\n");
+  out->Print("from grpc.framework.alpha import utilities\n");
   return true;
 }
 
diff --git a/src/core/channel/http_server_filter.c b/src/core/channel/http_server_filter.c
index d1616a3..f565cbf 100644
--- a/src/core/channel/http_server_filter.c
+++ b/src/core/channel/http_server_filter.c
@@ -66,6 +66,10 @@
   grpc_mdelem *status_ok;
   grpc_mdelem *status_not_found;
   grpc_mdstr *path_key;
+  grpc_mdstr *authority_key;
+  grpc_mdstr *host_key;
+
+  grpc_mdctx *mdctx;
 
   size_t gettable_count;
   gettable *gettables;
@@ -181,6 +185,15 @@
         }
         calld->path = op->data.metadata;
         op->done_cb(op->user_data, GRPC_OP_OK);
+      } else if (op->data.metadata->key == channeld->host_key) {
+        /* translate host to :authority since :authority may be
+           omitted */
+        grpc_mdelem *authority = grpc_mdelem_from_metadata_strings(
+            channeld->mdctx, channeld->authority_key, op->data.metadata->value);
+        grpc_mdelem_unref(op->data.metadata);
+        op->data.metadata = authority;
+        /* pass the event up */
+        grpc_call_next_op(elem, op);
       } else {
         /* pass the event up */
         grpc_call_next_op(elem, op);
@@ -305,9 +318,13 @@
   channeld->https_scheme = grpc_mdelem_from_strings(mdctx, ":scheme", "https");
   channeld->grpc_scheme = grpc_mdelem_from_strings(mdctx, ":scheme", "grpc");
   channeld->path_key = grpc_mdstr_from_string(mdctx, ":path");
+  channeld->authority_key = grpc_mdstr_from_string(mdctx, ":authority");
+  channeld->host_key = grpc_mdstr_from_string(mdctx, "host");
   channeld->content_type =
       grpc_mdelem_from_strings(mdctx, "content-type", "application/grpc");
 
+  channeld->mdctx = mdctx;
+
   /* initialize http download support */
   channeld->gettable_count = 0;
   channeld->gettables = NULL;
@@ -357,6 +374,8 @@
   grpc_mdelem_unref(channeld->grpc_scheme);
   grpc_mdelem_unref(channeld->content_type);
   grpc_mdstr_unref(channeld->path_key);
+  grpc_mdstr_unref(channeld->authority_key);
+  grpc_mdstr_unref(channeld->host_key);
 }
 
 const grpc_channel_filter grpc_http_server_filter = {
diff --git a/src/python/interop/interop/methods.py b/src/python/interop/interop/methods.py
index 4f83ccc..79550a3 100644
--- a/src/python/interop/interop/methods.py
+++ b/src/python/interop/interop/methods.py
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 import enum
 import threading
 
-from grpc.early_adopter import utilities
+from grpc.framework.alpha import utilities
 
 from interop import empty_pb2
 from interop import messages_pb2
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/_adapter/_face_test_case.py b/src/python/src/grpc/_adapter/_face_test_case.py
index 2542eb6..923e889 100644
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/_adapter/_face_test_case.py
+++ b/src/python/src/grpc/_adapter/_face_test_case.py
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 from grpc._adapter import fore
 from grpc._adapter import rear
 from grpc.framework.base import util
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import implementations as tickets_implementations
+from grpc.framework.base import implementations as base_implementations
 from grpc.framework.face import implementations as face_implementations
 from grpc.framework.face.testing import coverage
 from grpc.framework.face.testing import serial
@@ -69,8 +69,8 @@
         serialization.request_serializers,
         serialization.response_deserializers, False, None, None, None)
     rear_link.start()
-    front = tickets_implementations.front(pool, pool, pool)
-    back = tickets_implementations.back(
+    front = base_implementations.front_link(pool, pool, pool)
+    back = base_implementations.back_link(
         servicer, pool, pool, pool, _TIMEOUT, _MAXIMUM_TIMEOUT)
     fore_link.join_rear_link(back)
     back.join_fore_link(fore_link)
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/_adapter/_links_test.py b/src/python/src/grpc/_adapter/_links_test.py
index 49fd1f7..cfdcc2c 100644
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/_adapter/_links_test.py
+++ b/src/python/src/grpc/_adapter/_links_test.py
@@ -37,7 +37,6 @@
 from grpc._adapter import fore
 from grpc._adapter import rear
 from grpc.framework.base import interfaces
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import packets as tickets
 from grpc.framework.foundation import logging_pool
 
 _IDENTITY = lambda x: x
@@ -60,11 +59,11 @@
     test_fore_link = _test_links.ForeLink(None, None)
     def rear_action(front_to_back_ticket, fore_link):
       if front_to_back_ticket.kind in (
-          tickets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.COMPLETION,
-          tickets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.ENTIRE):
-        back_to_front_ticket = tickets.BackToFrontPacket(
+          interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.COMPLETION,
+          interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.ENTIRE):
+        back_to_front_ticket = interfaces.BackToFrontTicket(
             front_to_back_ticket.operation_id, 0,
-            tickets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.COMPLETION, None)
+            interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.COMPLETION, None)
         fore_link.accept_back_to_front_ticket(back_to_front_ticket)
     test_rear_link = _test_links.RearLink(rear_action, None)
 
@@ -82,8 +81,8 @@
     test_fore_link.join_rear_link(rear_link)
     rear_link.start()
 
-    front_to_back_ticket = tickets.FrontToBackPacket(
-        test_operation_id, 0, tickets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.ENTIRE,
+    front_to_back_ticket = interfaces.FrontToBackTicket(
+        test_operation_id, 0, interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.ENTIRE,
         test_method, interfaces.ServicedSubscription.Kind.FULL, None, None,
         _TIMEOUT)
     rear_link.accept_front_to_back_ticket(front_to_back_ticket)
@@ -91,7 +90,7 @@
     with test_fore_link.condition:
       while (not test_fore_link.tickets or
              test_fore_link.tickets[-1].kind is
-                 tickets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.CONTINUATION):
+                 interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.CONTINUATION):
         test_fore_link.condition.wait()
 
     rear_link.stop()
@@ -100,7 +99,7 @@
     with test_fore_link.condition:
       self.assertIs(
           test_fore_link.tickets[-1].kind,
-          tickets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.COMPLETION)
+          interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.COMPLETION)
 
   def testEntireRoundTrip(self):
     test_operation_id = object()
@@ -115,14 +114,14 @@
       else:
         payload = test_back_to_front_datum
       terminal = front_to_back_ticket.kind in (
-          tickets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.COMPLETION,
-          tickets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.ENTIRE)
+          interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.COMPLETION,
+          interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.ENTIRE)
       if payload is not None or terminal:
         if terminal:
-          kind = tickets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.COMPLETION
+          kind = interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.COMPLETION
         else:
-          kind = tickets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.CONTINUATION
-        back_to_front_ticket = tickets.BackToFrontPacket(
+          kind = interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.CONTINUATION
+        back_to_front_ticket = interfaces.BackToFrontTicket(
             front_to_back_ticket.operation_id, rear_sequence_number[0], kind,
             payload)
         rear_sequence_number[0] += 1
@@ -144,8 +143,8 @@
     test_fore_link.join_rear_link(rear_link)
     rear_link.start()
 
-    front_to_back_ticket = tickets.FrontToBackPacket(
-        test_operation_id, 0, tickets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.ENTIRE,
+    front_to_back_ticket = interfaces.FrontToBackTicket(
+        test_operation_id, 0, interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.ENTIRE,
         test_method, interfaces.ServicedSubscription.Kind.FULL, None,
         test_front_to_back_datum, _TIMEOUT)
     rear_link.accept_front_to_back_ticket(front_to_back_ticket)
@@ -153,7 +152,7 @@
     with test_fore_link.condition:
       while (not test_fore_link.tickets or
              test_fore_link.tickets[-1].kind is not
-                 tickets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.COMPLETION):
+                 interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.COMPLETION):
         test_fore_link.condition.wait()
 
     rear_link.stop()
@@ -183,14 +182,14 @@
         else:
           response = None
       terminal = front_to_back_ticket.kind in (
-          tickets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.COMPLETION,
-          tickets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.ENTIRE)
+          interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.COMPLETION,
+          interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.ENTIRE)
       if response is not None or terminal:
         if terminal:
-          kind = tickets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.COMPLETION
+          kind = interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.COMPLETION
         else:
-          kind = tickets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.CONTINUATION
-        back_to_front_ticket = tickets.BackToFrontPacket(
+          kind = interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.CONTINUATION
+        back_to_front_ticket = interfaces.BackToFrontTicket(
             front_to_back_ticket.operation_id, rear_sequence_number[0], kind,
             response)
         rear_sequence_number[0] += 1
@@ -213,22 +212,23 @@
     test_fore_link.join_rear_link(rear_link)
     rear_link.start()
 
-    commencement_ticket = tickets.FrontToBackPacket(
-        test_operation_id, 0, tickets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.COMMENCEMENT,
-        test_method, interfaces.ServicedSubscription.Kind.FULL, None, None,
+    commencement_ticket = interfaces.FrontToBackTicket(
+        test_operation_id, 0,
+        interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.COMMENCEMENT, test_method,
+        interfaces.ServicedSubscription.Kind.FULL, None, None,
         _TIMEOUT)
     fore_sequence_number = 1
     rear_link.accept_front_to_back_ticket(commencement_ticket)
     for request in scenario.requests():
-      continuation_ticket = tickets.FrontToBackPacket(
+      continuation_ticket = interfaces.FrontToBackTicket(
           test_operation_id, fore_sequence_number,
-          tickets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.CONTINUATION, None, None, None,
+          interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.CONTINUATION, None, None, None,
           request, None)
       fore_sequence_number += 1
       rear_link.accept_front_to_back_ticket(continuation_ticket)
-    completion_ticket = tickets.FrontToBackPacket(
+    completion_ticket = interfaces.FrontToBackTicket(
         test_operation_id, fore_sequence_number,
-        tickets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.COMPLETION, None, None, None, None,
+        interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.COMPLETION, None, None, None, None,
         None)
     fore_sequence_number += 1
     rear_link.accept_front_to_back_ticket(completion_ticket)
@@ -236,7 +236,7 @@
     with test_fore_link.condition:
       while (not test_fore_link.tickets or
              test_fore_link.tickets[-1].kind is not
-                 tickets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.COMPLETION):
+                 interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.COMPLETION):
         test_fore_link.condition.wait()
 
     rear_link.stop()
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/_adapter/_lonely_rear_link_test.py b/src/python/src/grpc/_adapter/_lonely_rear_link_test.py
index ead0b9e..25799d6 100644
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/_adapter/_lonely_rear_link_test.py
+++ b/src/python/src/grpc/_adapter/_lonely_rear_link_test.py
@@ -34,7 +34,6 @@
 from grpc._adapter import _test_links
 from grpc._adapter import rear
 from grpc.framework.base import interfaces
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import packets
 from grpc.framework.foundation import logging_pool
 
 _IDENTITY = lambda x: x
@@ -68,7 +67,7 @@
     rear_link.join_fore_link(fore_link)
     rear_link.start()
 
-    front_to_back_ticket = packets.FrontToBackPacket(
+    front_to_back_ticket = interfaces.FrontToBackTicket(
         test_operation_id, 0, front_to_back_ticket_kind, test_method,
         interfaces.ServicedSubscription.Kind.FULL, None, None, _TIMEOUT)
     rear_link.accept_front_to_back_ticket(front_to_back_ticket)
@@ -77,7 +76,7 @@
       while True:
         if (fore_link.tickets and
             fore_link.tickets[-1].kind is not
-                packets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.CONTINUATION):
+                interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.CONTINUATION):
           break
         fore_link.condition.wait()
 
@@ -86,15 +85,15 @@
     with fore_link.condition:
       self.assertIsNot(
           fore_link.tickets[-1].kind,
-          packets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.COMPLETION)
+          interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.COMPLETION)
 
-  def testLonelyClientCommencementPacket(self):
+  def testLonelyClientCommencementTicket(self):
     self._perform_lonely_client_test_with_ticket_kind(
-        packets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.COMMENCEMENT)
+        interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.COMMENCEMENT)
 
-  def testLonelyClientEntirePacket(self):
+  def testLonelyClientEntireTicket(self):
     self._perform_lonely_client_test_with_ticket_kind(
-        packets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.ENTIRE)
+        interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.ENTIRE)
 
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/_adapter/_test_links.py b/src/python/src/grpc/_adapter/_test_links.py
index ac0d6e2..86c7e61 100644
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/_adapter/_test_links.py
+++ b/src/python/src/grpc/_adapter/_test_links.py
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 
 import threading
 
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import interfaces
+from grpc.framework.base import interfaces
 
 
 class ForeLink(interfaces.ForeLink):
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/_adapter/fore.py b/src/python/src/grpc/_adapter/fore.py
index 16e5a20..05016cd 100644
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/_adapter/fore.py
+++ b/src/python/src/grpc/_adapter/fore.py
@@ -36,10 +36,8 @@
 
 from grpc._adapter import _common
 from grpc._adapter import _low
-from grpc.framework.base import interfaces
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import interfaces as ticket_interfaces
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import null
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import packets as tickets
+from grpc.framework.base import interfaces as base_interfaces
+from grpc.framework.base import null
 from grpc.framework.foundation import activated
 from grpc.framework.foundation import logging_pool
 
@@ -69,7 +67,7 @@
   rpc_state.write.low = _LowWrite.CLOSED
 
 
-class ForeLink(ticket_interfaces.ForeLink, activated.Activated):
+class ForeLink(base_interfaces.ForeLink, activated.Activated):
   """A service-side bridge between RPC Framework and the C-ish _low code."""
 
   def __init__(
@@ -127,9 +125,9 @@
         self._request_deserializers[method],
         self._response_serializers[method])
 
-    ticket = tickets.FrontToBackPacket(
-        call, 0, tickets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.COMMENCEMENT, method,
-        interfaces.ServicedSubscription.Kind.FULL, None, None,
+    ticket = base_interfaces.FrontToBackTicket(
+        call, 0, base_interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.COMMENCEMENT, method,
+        base_interfaces.ServicedSubscription.Kind.FULL, None, None,
         service_acceptance.deadline - time.time())
     self._rear_link.accept_front_to_back_ticket(ticket)
 
@@ -145,14 +143,16 @@
     sequence_number = rpc_state.sequence_number
     rpc_state.sequence_number += 1
     if event.bytes is None:
-      ticket = tickets.FrontToBackPacket(
-          call, sequence_number, tickets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.COMPLETION,
-          None, None, None, None, None)
+      ticket = base_interfaces.FrontToBackTicket(
+          call, sequence_number,
+          base_interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.COMPLETION, None, None, None,
+          None, None)
     else:
       call.read(call)
-      ticket = tickets.FrontToBackPacket(
-          call, sequence_number, tickets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.CONTINUATION,
-          None, None, None, rpc_state.deserializer(event.bytes), None)
+      ticket = base_interfaces.FrontToBackTicket(
+          call, sequence_number,
+          base_interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.CONTINUATION, None, None,
+          None, rpc_state.deserializer(event.bytes), None)
 
     self._rear_link.accept_front_to_back_ticket(ticket)
 
@@ -180,10 +180,10 @@
 
       sequence_number = rpc_state.sequence_number
       rpc_state.sequence_number += 1
-      ticket = tickets.FrontToBackPacket(
+      ticket = base_interfaces.FrontToBackTicket(
           call, sequence_number,
-          tickets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.TRANSMISSION_FAILURE, None, None,
-          None, None, None)
+          base_interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.TRANSMISSION_FAILURE, None,
+          None, None, None, None)
       self._rear_link.accept_front_to_back_ticket(ticket)
 
   def _on_finish_event(self, event):
@@ -200,19 +200,21 @@
     sequence_number = rpc_state.sequence_number
     rpc_state.sequence_number += 1
     if code is _low.Code.CANCELLED:
-      ticket = tickets.FrontToBackPacket(
-          call, sequence_number, tickets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.CANCELLATION,
-          None, None, None, None, None)
+      ticket = base_interfaces.FrontToBackTicket(
+          call, sequence_number,
+          base_interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.CANCELLATION, None, None,
+          None, None, None)
     elif code is _low.Code.EXPIRED:
-      ticket = tickets.FrontToBackPacket(
-          call, sequence_number, tickets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.EXPIRATION,
-          None, None, None, None, None)
+      ticket = base_interfaces.FrontToBackTicket(
+          call, sequence_number,
+          base_interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.EXPIRATION, None, None, None,
+          None, None)
     else:
       # TODO(nathaniel): Better mapping of codes to ticket-categories
-      ticket = tickets.FrontToBackPacket(
+      ticket = base_interfaces.FrontToBackTicket(
           call, sequence_number,
-          tickets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.TRANSMISSION_FAILURE, None, None,
-          None, None, None)
+          base_interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.TRANSMISSION_FAILURE, None,
+          None, None, None, None)
     self._rear_link.accept_front_to_back_ticket(ticket)
 
   def _spin(self, completion_queue, server):
@@ -268,7 +270,7 @@
     self._rpc_states.pop(call, None)
 
   def join_rear_link(self, rear_link):
-    """See ticket_interfaces.ForeLink.join_rear_link for specification."""
+    """See base_interfaces.ForeLink.join_rear_link for specification."""
     self._rear_link = null.NULL_REAR_LINK if rear_link is None else rear_link
 
   def _start(self):
@@ -348,14 +350,14 @@
       return self._port
 
   def accept_back_to_front_ticket(self, ticket):
-    """See ticket_interfaces.ForeLink.accept_back_to_front_ticket for spec."""
+    """See base_interfaces.ForeLink.accept_back_to_front_ticket for spec."""
     with self._condition:
       if self._server is None:
         return
 
-      if ticket.kind is tickets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.CONTINUATION:
+      if ticket.kind is base_interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.CONTINUATION:
         self._continue(ticket.operation_id, ticket.payload)
-      elif ticket.kind is tickets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.COMPLETION:
+      elif ticket.kind is base_interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.COMPLETION:
         self._complete(ticket.operation_id, ticket.payload)
       else:
         self._cancel(ticket.operation_id)
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/_adapter/rear.py b/src/python/src/grpc/_adapter/rear.py
index eee008e..f19321c 100644
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/_adapter/rear.py
+++ b/src/python/src/grpc/_adapter/rear.py
@@ -36,9 +36,8 @@
 
 from grpc._adapter import _common
 from grpc._adapter import _low
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import interfaces as ticket_interfaces
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import null
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import packets as tickets
+from grpc.framework.base import interfaces as base_interfaces
+from grpc.framework.base import null
 from grpc.framework.foundation import activated
 from grpc.framework.foundation import logging_pool
 
@@ -88,7 +87,7 @@
     raise ValueError('Write attempted after writes completed!')
 
 
-class RearLink(ticket_interfaces.RearLink, activated.Activated):
+class RearLink(base_interfaces.RearLink, activated.Activated):
   """An invocation-side bridge between RPC Framework and the C-ish _low code."""
 
   def __init__(
@@ -152,9 +151,9 @@
     else:
       logging.error('RPC write not accepted! Event: %s', (event,))
       rpc_state.active = False
-      ticket = tickets.BackToFrontPacket(
+      ticket = base_interfaces.BackToFrontTicket(
           operation_id, rpc_state.common.sequence_number,
-          tickets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.TRANSMISSION_FAILURE, None)
+          base_interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.TRANSMISSION_FAILURE, None)
       rpc_state.common.sequence_number += 1
       self._fore_link.accept_back_to_front_ticket(ticket)
 
@@ -163,9 +162,9 @@
       rpc_state.call.read(operation_id)
       rpc_state.outstanding.add(_low.Event.Kind.READ_ACCEPTED)
 
-      ticket = tickets.BackToFrontPacket(
+      ticket = base_interfaces.BackToFrontTicket(
           operation_id, rpc_state.common.sequence_number,
-          tickets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.CONTINUATION,
+          base_interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.CONTINUATION,
           rpc_state.common.deserializer(event.bytes))
       rpc_state.common.sequence_number += 1
       self._fore_link.accept_back_to_front_ticket(ticket)
@@ -174,9 +173,9 @@
     if not event.complete_accepted:
       logging.error('RPC complete not accepted! Event: %s', (event,))
       rpc_state.active = False
-      ticket = tickets.BackToFrontPacket(
+      ticket = base_interfaces.BackToFrontTicket(
           operation_id, rpc_state.common.sequence_number,
-          tickets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.TRANSMISSION_FAILURE, None)
+          base_interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.TRANSMISSION_FAILURE, None)
       rpc_state.common.sequence_number += 1
       self._fore_link.accept_back_to_front_ticket(ticket)
 
@@ -189,14 +188,14 @@
     """Handle termination of an RPC."""
     # TODO(nathaniel): Cover all statuses.
     if event.status.code is _low.Code.OK:
-      kind = tickets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.COMPLETION
+      kind = base_interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.COMPLETION
     elif event.status.code is _low.Code.CANCELLED:
-      kind = tickets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.CANCELLATION
+      kind = base_interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.CANCELLATION
     elif event.status.code is _low.Code.EXPIRED:
-      kind = tickets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.EXPIRATION
+      kind = base_interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.EXPIRATION
     else:
-      kind = tickets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.TRANSMISSION_FAILURE
-    ticket = tickets.BackToFrontPacket(
+      kind = base_interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.TRANSMISSION_FAILURE
+    ticket = base_interfaces.BackToFrontTicket(
         operation_id, rpc_state.common.sequence_number, kind, None)
     rpc_state.common.sequence_number += 1
     self._fore_link.accept_back_to_front_ticket(ticket)
@@ -317,7 +316,7 @@
       rpc_state.active = False
 
   def join_fore_link(self, fore_link):
-    """See ticket_interfaces.RearLink.join_fore_link for specification."""
+    """See base_interfaces.RearLink.join_fore_link for specification."""
     with self._condition:
       self._fore_link = null.NULL_FORE_LINK if fore_link is None else fore_link
 
@@ -366,22 +365,22 @@
     self._stop()
 
   def accept_front_to_back_ticket(self, ticket):
-    """See ticket_interfaces.RearLink.accept_front_to_back_ticket for spec."""
+    """See base_interfaces.RearLink.accept_front_to_back_ticket for spec."""
     with self._condition:
       if self._completion_queue is None:
         return
 
-      if ticket.kind is tickets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.COMMENCEMENT:
+      if ticket.kind is base_interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.COMMENCEMENT:
         self._commence(
             ticket.operation_id, ticket.name, ticket.payload, ticket.timeout)
-      elif ticket.kind is tickets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.CONTINUATION:
+      elif ticket.kind is base_interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.CONTINUATION:
         self._continue(ticket.operation_id, ticket.payload)
-      elif ticket.kind is tickets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.COMPLETION:
+      elif ticket.kind is base_interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.COMPLETION:
         self._complete(ticket.operation_id, ticket.payload)
-      elif ticket.kind is tickets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.ENTIRE:
+      elif ticket.kind is base_interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.ENTIRE:
         self._entire(
             ticket.operation_id, ticket.name, ticket.payload, ticket.timeout)
-      elif ticket.kind is tickets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.CANCELLATION:
+      elif ticket.kind is base_interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.CANCELLATION:
         self._cancel(ticket.operation_id)
       else:
         # NOTE(nathaniel): All other categories are treated as cancellation.
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/early_adopter/implementations.py b/src/python/src/grpc/early_adopter/implementations.py
index 7c50d7d..cc0b8ec 100644
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/early_adopter/implementations.py
+++ b/src/python/src/grpc/early_adopter/implementations.py
@@ -33,11 +33,11 @@
 
 from grpc._adapter import fore as _fore
 from grpc._adapter import rear as _rear
-from grpc.early_adopter import _face_utilities
-from grpc.early_adopter import _reexport
-from grpc.early_adopter import interfaces
+from grpc.framework.alpha import _face_utilities
+from grpc.framework.alpha import _reexport
+from grpc.framework.alpha import interfaces
+from grpc.framework.base import implementations as _base_implementations
 from grpc.framework.base import util as _base_utilities
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import implementations as _tickets_implementations
 from grpc.framework.face import implementations as _face_implementations
 from grpc.framework.foundation import logging_pool
 
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@
         self._pool = logging_pool.pool(_THREAD_POOL_SIZE)
         servicer = _face_implementations.servicer(
             self._pool, self._breakdown.implementations, None)
-        self._back = _tickets_implementations.back(
+        self._back = _base_implementations.back_link(
             servicer, self._pool, self._pool, self._pool, _ONE_DAY_IN_SECONDS,
             _ONE_DAY_IN_SECONDS)
         self._fore_link = _fore.ForeLink(
@@ -134,7 +134,7 @@
     with self._lock:
       if self._pool is None:
         self._pool = logging_pool.pool(_THREAD_POOL_SIZE)
-        self._front = _tickets_implementations.front(
+        self._front = _base_implementations.front_link(
             self._pool, self._pool, self._pool)
         self._rear_link = _rear.RearLink(
             self._host, self._port, self._pool,
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/early_adopter/implementations_test.py b/src/python/src/grpc/early_adopter/implementations_test.py
index 949d3de..ae4adad 100644
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/early_adopter/implementations_test.py
+++ b/src/python/src/grpc/early_adopter/implementations_test.py
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 import unittest
 
 from grpc.early_adopter import implementations
-from grpc.early_adopter import utilities
+from grpc.framework.alpha import utilities
 from grpc._junkdrawer import math_pb2
 
 SERVICE_NAME = 'math.Math'
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/__init__.py b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/alpha/__init__.py
similarity index 99%
rename from src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/__init__.py
rename to src/python/src/grpc/framework/alpha/__init__.py
index 7086519..b893988 100644
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/__init__.py
+++ b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/alpha/__init__.py
@@ -26,5 +26,3 @@
 # THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT
 # (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE
 # OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
-
-
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/early_adopter/_face_utilities.py b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/alpha/_face_utilities.py
similarity index 98%
rename from src/python/src/grpc/early_adopter/_face_utilities.py
rename to src/python/src/grpc/framework/alpha/_face_utilities.py
index ce099fc..fb0cfe4 100644
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/early_adopter/_face_utilities.py
+++ b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/alpha/_face_utilities.py
@@ -34,8 +34,8 @@
 from grpc.framework.common import cardinality
 from grpc.framework.face import interfaces as face_interfaces  # pylint: disable=unused-import
 from grpc.framework.face import utilities as face_utilities
-from grpc.early_adopter import _reexport
-from grpc.early_adopter import interfaces
+from grpc.framework.alpha import _reexport
+from grpc.framework.alpha import interfaces
 
 
 def _qualified_name(service_name, method_name):
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/early_adopter/_reexport.py b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/alpha/_reexport.py
similarity index 98%
rename from src/python/src/grpc/early_adopter/_reexport.py
rename to src/python/src/grpc/framework/alpha/_reexport.py
index 49bc38e..198cb95 100644
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/early_adopter/_reexport.py
+++ b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/alpha/_reexport.py
@@ -31,8 +31,8 @@
 from grpc.framework.face import exceptions as face_exceptions
 from grpc.framework.face import interfaces as face_interfaces
 from grpc.framework.foundation import future
-from grpc.early_adopter import exceptions
-from grpc.early_adopter import interfaces
+from grpc.framework.alpha import exceptions
+from grpc.framework.alpha import interfaces
 
 _EARLY_ADOPTER_CARDINALITY_TO_COMMON_CARDINALITY = {
     interfaces.Cardinality.UNARY_UNARY: cardinality.Cardinality.UNARY_UNARY,
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/early_adopter/exceptions.py b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/alpha/exceptions.py
similarity index 100%
rename from src/python/src/grpc/early_adopter/exceptions.py
rename to src/python/src/grpc/framework/alpha/exceptions.py
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/early_adopter/interfaces.py b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/alpha/interfaces.py
similarity index 99%
rename from src/python/src/grpc/early_adopter/interfaces.py
rename to src/python/src/grpc/framework/alpha/interfaces.py
index b733873..8380567 100644
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/early_adopter/interfaces.py
+++ b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/alpha/interfaces.py
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 import enum
 
 # exceptions is referenced from specification in this module.
-from grpc.early_adopter import exceptions  # pylint: disable=unused-import
+from grpc.framework.alpha import exceptions  # pylint: disable=unused-import
 from grpc.framework.foundation import activated
 from grpc.framework.foundation import future
 
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/early_adopter/utilities.py b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/alpha/utilities.py
similarity index 99%
rename from src/python/src/grpc/early_adopter/utilities.py
rename to src/python/src/grpc/framework/alpha/utilities.py
index da8ef82..7d7f78f 100644
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/early_adopter/utilities.py
+++ b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/alpha/utilities.py
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@
 
 """Utilities for use with GRPC."""
 
-from grpc.early_adopter import interfaces
+from grpc.framework.alpha import interfaces
 
 
 class _RpcMethodDescription(
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/_cancellation.py b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/_cancellation.py
similarity index 89%
rename from src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/_cancellation.py
rename to src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/_cancellation.py
index 4a0ced1..ffbc906 100644
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/_cancellation.py
+++ b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/_cancellation.py
@@ -29,9 +29,8 @@
 
 """State and behavior for operation cancellation."""
 
-from grpc.framework.base import interfaces as base_interfaces
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import _interfaces
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import packets
+from grpc.framework.base import _interfaces
+from grpc.framework.base import interfaces
 
 
 class CancellationManager(_interfaces.CancellationManager):
@@ -59,7 +58,7 @@
   def cancel(self):
     """See _interfaces.CancellationManager.cancel for specification."""
     with self._lock:
-      self._termination_manager.abort(base_interfaces.Outcome.CANCELLED)
-      self._transmission_manager.abort(base_interfaces.Outcome.CANCELLED)
+      self._termination_manager.abort(interfaces.Outcome.CANCELLED)
+      self._transmission_manager.abort(interfaces.Outcome.CANCELLED)
       self._ingestion_manager.abort()
       self._expiration_manager.abort()
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/_constants.py b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/_constants.py
similarity index 100%
rename from src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/_constants.py
rename to src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/_constants.py
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/_context.py b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/_context.py
similarity index 85%
rename from src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/_context.py
rename to src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/_context.py
index 45241c6..d84871d 100644
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/_context.py
+++ b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/_context.py
@@ -32,12 +32,12 @@
 import time
 
 # _interfaces is referenced from specification in this module.
-from grpc.framework.base import interfaces as base_interfaces
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import _interfaces  # pylint: disable=unused-import
+from grpc.framework.base import interfaces
+from grpc.framework.base import _interfaces  # pylint: disable=unused-import
 
 
-class OperationContext(base_interfaces.OperationContext):
-  """An implementation of base_interfaces.OperationContext."""
+class OperationContext(interfaces.OperationContext):
+  """An implementation of interfaces.OperationContext."""
 
   def __init__(
       self, lock, operation_id, local_failure, termination_manager,
@@ -47,8 +47,8 @@
     Args:
       lock: The operation-wide lock.
       operation_id: An object identifying the operation.
-      local_failure: Whichever one of base_interfaces.Outcome.SERVICED_FAILURE
-        or base_interfaces.Outcome.SERVICER_FAILURE describes local failure of
+      local_failure: Whichever one of interfaces.Outcome.SERVICED_FAILURE or
+        interfaces.Outcome.SERVICER_FAILURE describes local failure of
         customer code.
       termination_manager: The _interfaces.TerminationManager for the operation.
       transmission_manager: The _interfaces.TransmissionManager for the
@@ -75,12 +75,12 @@
     self._expiration_manager = expiration_manager
 
   def is_active(self):
-    """See base_interfaces.OperationContext.is_active for specification."""
+    """See interfaces.OperationContext.is_active for specification."""
     with self._lock:
       return self._termination_manager.is_active()
 
   def add_termination_callback(self, callback):
-    """See base_interfaces.OperationContext.add_termination_callback."""
+    """See interfaces.OperationContext.add_termination_callback."""
     with self._lock:
       self._termination_manager.add_callback(callback)
 
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/_emission.py b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/_emission.py
similarity index 89%
rename from src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/_emission.py
rename to src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/_emission.py
index cfc9e40..1829669 100644
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/_emission.py
+++ b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/_emission.py
@@ -29,8 +29,8 @@
 
 """State and behavior for handling emitted values."""
 
-from grpc.framework.base import interfaces as base_interfaces
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import _interfaces
+from grpc.framework.base import interfaces
+from grpc.framework.base import _interfaces
 
 
 class _EmissionManager(_interfaces.EmissionManager):
@@ -42,10 +42,9 @@
 
     Args:
       lock: The operation-wide lock.
-      failure_outcome: Whichever one of
-        base_interfaces.Outcome.SERVICED_FAILURE or
-        base_interfaces.Outcome.SERVICER_FAILURE describes this object's
-        methods being called inappropriately by customer code.
+      failure_outcome: Whichever one of interfaces.Outcome.SERVICED_FAILURE or
+        interfaces.Outcome.SERVICER_FAILURE describes this object's methods
+        being called inappropriately by customer code.
       termination_manager: The _interfaces.TerminationManager for the operation.
       transmission_manager: The _interfaces.TransmissionManager for the
         operation.
@@ -106,7 +105,7 @@
     An _interfaces.EmissionManager appropriate for front-side use.
   """
   return _EmissionManager(
-      lock, base_interfaces.Outcome.SERVICED_FAILURE, termination_manager,
+      lock, interfaces.Outcome.SERVICED_FAILURE, termination_manager,
       transmission_manager)
 
 
@@ -122,5 +121,5 @@
     An _interfaces.EmissionManager appropriate for back-side use.
   """
   return _EmissionManager(
-      lock, base_interfaces.Outcome.SERVICER_FAILURE, termination_manager,
+      lock, interfaces.Outcome.SERVICER_FAILURE, termination_manager,
       transmission_manager)
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/_ends.py b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/_ends.py
similarity index 85%
rename from src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/_ends.py
rename to src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/_ends.py
index 614d1f6..176f3ac 100644
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/_ends.py
+++ b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/_ends.py
@@ -27,32 +27,30 @@
 # (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE
 # OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
 
-"""Implementations of Fronts and Backs."""
+"""Implementations of FrontLinks and BackLinks."""
 
 import collections
 import threading
 import uuid
 
-# _interfaces and packets are referenced from specification in this module.
-from grpc.framework.base import interfaces as base_interfaces
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import _cancellation
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import _context
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import _emission
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import _expiration
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import _ingestion
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import _interfaces  # pylint: disable=unused-import
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import _reception
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import _termination
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import _transmission
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import interfaces
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import packets  # pylint: disable=unused-import
+# _interfaces is referenced from specification in this module.
+from grpc.framework.base import _cancellation
+from grpc.framework.base import _context
+from grpc.framework.base import _emission
+from grpc.framework.base import _expiration
+from grpc.framework.base import _ingestion
+from grpc.framework.base import _interfaces  # pylint: disable=unused-import
+from grpc.framework.base import _reception
+from grpc.framework.base import _termination
+from grpc.framework.base import _transmission
+from grpc.framework.base import interfaces
 from grpc.framework.foundation import callable_util
 
 _IDLE_ACTION_EXCEPTION_LOG_MESSAGE = 'Exception calling idle action!'
 
 
-class _EasyOperation(base_interfaces.Operation):
-  """A trivial implementation of base_interfaces.Operation."""
+class _EasyOperation(interfaces.Operation):
+  """A trivial implementation of interfaces.Operation."""
 
   def __init__(self, emission_manager, context, cancellation_manager):
     """Constructor.
@@ -60,7 +58,7 @@
     Args:
       emission_manager: The _interfaces.EmissionManager for the operation that
         will accept values emitted by customer code.
-      context: The base_interfaces.OperationContext for use by the customer
+      context: The interfaces.OperationContext for use by the customer
         during the operation.
       cancellation_manager: The _interfaces.CancellationManager for the
         operation.
@@ -88,7 +86,7 @@
     # indicates an in-progress fire-and-forget operation for which the customer
     # has chosen to ignore results.
     self._operations = {}
-    self._stats = {outcome: 0 for outcome in base_interfaces.Outcome}
+    self._stats = {outcome: 0 for outcome in interfaces.Outcome}
     self._idle_actions = []
 
   def terminal_action(self, operation_id):
@@ -152,9 +150,9 @@
   """Constructs objects necessary for front-side operation management.
 
   Args:
-    callback: A callable that accepts packets.FrontToBackPackets and delivers
-      them to the other side of the operation. Execution of this callable may
-      take any arbitrary length of time.
+    callback: A callable that accepts interfaces.FrontToBackTickets and
+      delivers them to the other side of the operation. Execution of this
+      callable may take any arbitrary length of time.
     work_pool: A thread pool in which to execute customer code.
     transmission_pool: A thread pool to use for transmitting to the other side
       of the operation.
@@ -169,7 +167,7 @@
     complete: A boolean indicating whether or not additional payloads will be
       supplied by the customer.
     timeout: A length of time in seconds to allow for the operation.
-    subscription: A base_interfaces.ServicedSubscription describing the
+    subscription: A interfaces.ServicedSubscription describing the
       customer's interest in the results of the operation.
     trace_id: A uuid.UUID identifying a set of related operations to which this
       operation belongs. May be None.
@@ -188,7 +186,7 @@
         lock, transmission_pool, callback, operation_id, name,
         subscription.kind, trace_id, timeout, termination_manager)
     operation_context = _context.OperationContext(
-        lock, operation_id, base_interfaces.Outcome.SERVICED_FAILURE,
+        lock, operation_id, interfaces.Outcome.SERVICED_FAILURE,
         termination_manager, transmission_manager)
     emission_manager = _emission.front_emission_manager(
         lock, termination_manager, transmission_manager)
@@ -216,7 +214,7 @@
 
     transmission_manager.inmit(payload, complete)
 
-    if subscription.kind is base_interfaces.ServicedSubscription.Kind.NONE:
+    if subscription.kind is interfaces.ServicedSubscription.Kind.NONE:
       returned_reception_manager = None
     else:
       returned_reception_manager = reception_manager
@@ -226,8 +224,8 @@
         cancellation_manager)
 
 
-class Front(interfaces.Front):
-  """An implementation of interfaces.Front."""
+class FrontLink(interfaces.FrontLink):
+  """An implementation of interfaces.FrontLink."""
 
   def __init__(self, work_pool, transmission_pool, utility_pool):
     """Constructor.
@@ -252,16 +250,16 @@
       self._callback = rear_link.accept_front_to_back_ticket
 
   def operation_stats(self):
-    """See base_interfaces.End.operation_stats for specification."""
+    """See interfaces.End.operation_stats for specification."""
     return self._endlette.operation_stats()
 
   def add_idle_action(self, action):
-    """See base_interfaces.End.add_idle_action for specification."""
+    """See interfaces.End.add_idle_action for specification."""
     self._endlette.add_idle_action(action)
 
   def operate(
       self, name, payload, complete, timeout, subscription, trace_id):
-    """See base_interfaces.Front.operate for specification."""
+    """See interfaces.Front.operate for specification."""
     operation_id = uuid.uuid4()
     with self._endlette:
       management = _front_operate(
@@ -278,7 +276,7 @@
     with self._endlette:
       reception_manager = self._endlette.get_operation(ticket.operation_id)
     if reception_manager:
-      reception_manager.receive_packet(ticket)
+      reception_manager.receive_ticket(ticket)
 
 
 def _back_operate(
@@ -291,16 +289,16 @@
 
   Args:
     servicer: An interfaces.Servicer for servicing operations.
-    callback: A callable that accepts packets.BackToFrontPackets and delivers
-      them to the other side of the operation. Execution of this callable may
-      take any arbitrary length of time.
+    callback: A callable that accepts interfaces.BackToFrontTickets and
+      delivers them to the other side of the operation. Execution of this
+      callable may take any arbitrary length of time.
     work_pool: A thread pool in which to execute customer code.
     transmission_pool: A thread pool to use for transmitting to the other side
       of the operation.
     utility_pool: A thread pool for utility tasks.
     termination_action: A no-arg behavior to be called upon operation
       completion.
-    ticket: The first packets.FrontToBackPacket received for the operation.
+    ticket: The first interfaces.FrontToBackTicket received for the operation.
     default_timeout: A length of time in seconds to be used as the default
       time alloted for a single operation.
     maximum_timeout: A length of time in seconds to be used as the maximum
@@ -317,7 +315,7 @@
         lock, transmission_pool, callback, ticket.operation_id,
         termination_manager, ticket.subscription)
     operation_context = _context.OperationContext(
-        lock, ticket.operation_id, base_interfaces.Outcome.SERVICER_FAILURE,
+        lock, ticket.operation_id, interfaces.Outcome.SERVICER_FAILURE,
         termination_manager, transmission_manager)
     emission_manager = _emission.back_emission_manager(
         lock, termination_manager, transmission_manager)
@@ -340,13 +338,13 @@
         ingestion_manager, expiration_manager)
     ingestion_manager.set_expiration_manager(expiration_manager)
 
-  reception_manager.receive_packet(ticket)
+  reception_manager.receive_ticket(ticket)
 
   return reception_manager
 
 
-class Back(interfaces.Back):
-  """An implementation of interfaces.Back."""
+class BackLink(interfaces.BackLink):
+  """An implementation of interfaces.BackLink."""
 
   def __init__(
       self, servicer, work_pool, transmission_pool, utility_pool,
@@ -390,12 +388,12 @@
             self._default_timeout, self._maximum_timeout)
         self._endlette.add_operation(ticket.operation_id, reception_manager)
       else:
-        reception_manager.receive_packet(ticket)
+        reception_manager.receive_ticket(ticket)
 
   def operation_stats(self):
-    """See base_interfaces.End.operation_stats for specification."""
+    """See interfaces.End.operation_stats for specification."""
     return self._endlette.operation_stats()
 
   def add_idle_action(self, action):
-    """See base_interfaces.End.add_idle_action for specification."""
+    """See interfaces.End.add_idle_action for specification."""
     self._endlette.add_idle_action(action)
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/_expiration.py b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/_expiration.py
similarity index 95%
rename from src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/_expiration.py
rename to src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/_expiration.py
index a9ecaea..17acbef 100644
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/_expiration.py
+++ b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/_expiration.py
@@ -31,8 +31,8 @@
 
 import time
 
-from grpc.framework.base import interfaces as base_interfaces
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import _interfaces
+from grpc.framework.base import _interfaces
+from grpc.framework.base import interfaces
 from grpc.framework.foundation import later
 
 
@@ -73,8 +73,8 @@
     with self._lock:
       if self._future is not None and index == self._index:
         self._future = None
-        self._termination_manager.abort(base_interfaces.Outcome.EXPIRED)
-        self._transmission_manager.abort(base_interfaces.Outcome.EXPIRED)
+        self._termination_manager.abort(interfaces.Outcome.EXPIRED)
+        self._transmission_manager.abort(interfaces.Outcome.EXPIRED)
         self._ingestion_manager.abort()
 
   def start(self):
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/_ingestion.py b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/_ingestion.py
similarity index 98%
rename from src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/_ingestion.py
rename to src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/_ingestion.py
index c5c08fd..06d5b92 100644
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/_ingestion.py
+++ b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/_ingestion.py
@@ -32,11 +32,10 @@
 import abc
 import collections
 
+from grpc.framework.base import _constants
+from grpc.framework.base import _interfaces
 from grpc.framework.base import exceptions
 from grpc.framework.base import interfaces
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import _constants
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import _interfaces
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import packets
 from grpc.framework.foundation import abandonment
 from grpc.framework.foundation import callable_util
 from grpc.framework.foundation import stream
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/_interfaces.py b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/_interfaces.py
similarity index 91%
rename from src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/_interfaces.py
rename to src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/_interfaces.py
index 64184bd..d88cf76 100644
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/_interfaces.py
+++ b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/_interfaces.py
@@ -31,9 +31,8 @@
 
 import abc
 
-# base_interfaces and packets are referenced from specification in this module.
-from grpc.framework.base import interfaces as base_interfaces  # pylint: disable=unused-import
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import packets  # pylint: disable=unused-import
+# interfaces is referenced from specification in this module.
+from grpc.framework.base import interfaces  # pylint: disable=unused-import
 from grpc.framework.foundation import stream
 
 
@@ -63,7 +62,7 @@
     immediately.
 
     Args:
-      callback: A callable that will be passed a base_interfaces.Outcome value.
+      callback: A callable that will be passed an interfaces.Outcome value.
     """
     raise NotImplementedError()
 
@@ -87,7 +86,7 @@
     """Indicates that the operation must abort for the indicated reason.
 
     Args:
-      outcome: A base_interfaces.Outcome indicating operation abortion.
+      outcome: An interfaces.Outcome indicating operation abortion.
     """
     raise NotImplementedError()
 
@@ -113,7 +112,7 @@
     """Indicates that the operation has aborted for the indicated reason.
 
     Args:
-      outcome: A base_interfaces.Outcome indicating operation abortion.
+      outcome: An interfaces.Outcome indicating operation abortion.
     """
     raise NotImplementedError()
 
@@ -248,15 +247,15 @@
 
 
 class ReceptionManager(object):
-  """A manager responsible for receiving packets from the other end."""
+  """A manager responsible for receiving tickets from the other end."""
   __metaclass__ = abc.ABCMeta
 
   @abc.abstractmethod
-  def receive_packet(self, packet):
-    """Handle a packet from the other side of the operation.
+  def receive_ticket(self, ticket):
+    """Handle a ticket from the other side of the operation.
 
     Args:
-      packet: A packets.BackToFrontPacket or packets.FrontToBackPacket
+      ticket: An interfaces.BackToFrontTicket or interfaces.FrontToBackTicket
         appropriate to this end of the operation and this object.
     """
     raise NotImplementedError()
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/_reception.py b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/_reception.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dd42896
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/_reception.py
@@ -0,0 +1,399 @@
+# Copyright 2015, Google Inc.
+# All rights reserved.
+#
+# Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without
+# modification, are permitted provided that the following conditions are
+# met:
+#
+#     * Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright
+# notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer.
+#     * Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above
+# copyright notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer
+# in the documentation and/or other materials provided with the
+# distribution.
+#     * Neither the name of Google Inc. nor the names of its
+# contributors may be used to endorse or promote products derived from
+# this software without specific prior written permission.
+#
+# THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND CONTRIBUTORS
+# "AS IS" AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT
+# LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR
+# A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COPYRIGHT
+# OWNER OR CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,
+# SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT
+# LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE,
+# DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY
+# THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT
+# (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE
+# OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
+
+"""State and behavior for ticket reception."""
+
+import abc
+
+from grpc.framework.base import interfaces
+from grpc.framework.base import _interfaces
+
+_INITIAL_FRONT_TO_BACK_TICKET_KINDS = (
+    interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.COMMENCEMENT,
+    interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.ENTIRE,
+)
+
+
+class _Receiver(object):
+  """Common specification of different ticket-handling behavior."""
+  __metaclass__ = abc.ABCMeta
+
+  @abc.abstractmethod
+  def abort_if_abortive(self, ticket):
+    """Aborts the operation if the ticket is abortive.
+
+    Args:
+      ticket: A just-arrived ticket.
+
+    Returns:
+      A boolean indicating whether or not this Receiver aborted the operation
+        based on the ticket.
+    """
+    raise NotImplementedError()
+
+  @abc.abstractmethod
+  def receive(self, ticket):
+    """Handles a just-arrived ticket.
+
+    Args:
+      ticket: A just-arrived ticket.
+
+    Returns:
+      A boolean indicating whether or not the ticket was terminal (i.e. whether
+        or not non-abortive tickets are legal after this one).
+    """
+    raise NotImplementedError()
+
+  @abc.abstractmethod
+  def reception_failure(self):
+    """Aborts the operation with an indication of reception failure."""
+    raise NotImplementedError()
+
+
+def _abort(
+    outcome, termination_manager, transmission_manager, ingestion_manager,
+    expiration_manager):
+  """Indicates abortion with the given outcome to the given managers."""
+  termination_manager.abort(outcome)
+  transmission_manager.abort(outcome)
+  ingestion_manager.abort()
+  expiration_manager.abort()
+
+
+def _abort_if_abortive(
+    ticket, abortive, termination_manager, transmission_manager,
+    ingestion_manager, expiration_manager):
+  """Determines a ticket's being abortive and if so aborts the operation.
+
+  Args:
+    ticket: A just-arrived ticket.
+    abortive: A callable that takes a ticket and returns an interfaces.Outcome
+      indicating that the operation should be aborted or None indicating that
+      the operation should not be aborted.
+    termination_manager: The operation's _interfaces.TerminationManager.
+    transmission_manager: The operation's _interfaces.TransmissionManager.
+    ingestion_manager: The operation's _interfaces.IngestionManager.
+    expiration_manager: The operation's _interfaces.ExpirationManager.
+
+  Returns:
+    True if the operation was aborted; False otherwise.
+  """
+  abortion_outcome = abortive(ticket)
+  if abortion_outcome is None:
+    return False
+  else:
+    _abort(
+        abortion_outcome, termination_manager, transmission_manager,
+        ingestion_manager, expiration_manager)
+    return True
+
+
+def _reception_failure(
+    termination_manager, transmission_manager, ingestion_manager,
+    expiration_manager):
+  """Aborts the operation with an indication of reception failure."""
+  _abort(
+      interfaces.Outcome.RECEPTION_FAILURE, termination_manager,
+      transmission_manager, ingestion_manager, expiration_manager)
+
+
+class _BackReceiver(_Receiver):
+  """Ticket-handling specific to the back side of an operation."""
+
+  def __init__(
+      self, termination_manager, transmission_manager, ingestion_manager,
+      expiration_manager):
+    """Constructor.
+
+    Args:
+      termination_manager: The operation's _interfaces.TerminationManager.
+      transmission_manager: The operation's _interfaces.TransmissionManager.
+      ingestion_manager: The operation's _interfaces.IngestionManager.
+      expiration_manager: The operation's _interfaces.ExpirationManager.
+    """
+    self._termination_manager = termination_manager
+    self._transmission_manager = transmission_manager
+    self._ingestion_manager = ingestion_manager
+    self._expiration_manager = expiration_manager
+
+    self._first_ticket_seen = False
+    self._last_ticket_seen = False
+
+  def _abortive(self, ticket):
+    """Determines whether or not (and if so, how) a ticket is abortive.
+
+    Args:
+      ticket: A just-arrived ticket.
+
+    Returns:
+      An interfaces.Outcome value describing operation abortion if the
+        ticket is abortive or None if the ticket is not abortive.
+    """
+    if ticket.kind is interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.CANCELLATION:
+      return interfaces.Outcome.CANCELLED
+    elif ticket.kind is interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.EXPIRATION:
+      return interfaces.Outcome.EXPIRED
+    elif ticket.kind is interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.SERVICED_FAILURE:
+      return interfaces.Outcome.SERVICED_FAILURE
+    elif ticket.kind is interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.RECEPTION_FAILURE:
+      return interfaces.Outcome.SERVICED_FAILURE
+    elif (ticket.kind in _INITIAL_FRONT_TO_BACK_TICKET_KINDS and
+          self._first_ticket_seen):
+      return interfaces.Outcome.RECEPTION_FAILURE
+    elif self._last_ticket_seen:
+      return interfaces.Outcome.RECEPTION_FAILURE
+    else:
+      return None
+
+  def abort_if_abortive(self, ticket):
+    """See _Receiver.abort_if_abortive for specification."""
+    return _abort_if_abortive(
+        ticket, self._abortive, self._termination_manager,
+        self._transmission_manager, self._ingestion_manager,
+        self._expiration_manager)
+
+  def receive(self, ticket):
+    """See _Receiver.receive for specification."""
+    if ticket.timeout is not None:
+      self._expiration_manager.change_timeout(ticket.timeout)
+
+    if ticket.kind is interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.COMMENCEMENT:
+      self._first_ticket_seen = True
+      self._ingestion_manager.start(ticket.name)
+      if ticket.payload is not None:
+        self._ingestion_manager.consume(ticket.payload)
+    elif ticket.kind is interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.CONTINUATION:
+      self._ingestion_manager.consume(ticket.payload)
+    elif ticket.kind is interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.COMPLETION:
+      self._last_ticket_seen = True
+      if ticket.payload is None:
+        self._ingestion_manager.terminate()
+      else:
+        self._ingestion_manager.consume_and_terminate(ticket.payload)
+    else:
+      self._first_ticket_seen = True
+      self._last_ticket_seen = True
+      self._ingestion_manager.start(ticket.name)
+      if ticket.payload is None:
+        self._ingestion_manager.terminate()
+      else:
+        self._ingestion_manager.consume_and_terminate(ticket.payload)
+
+  def reception_failure(self):
+    """See _Receiver.reception_failure for specification."""
+    _reception_failure(
+        self._termination_manager, self._transmission_manager,
+        self._ingestion_manager, self._expiration_manager)
+
+
+class _FrontReceiver(_Receiver):
+  """Ticket-handling specific to the front side of an operation."""
+
+  def __init__(
+      self, termination_manager, transmission_manager, ingestion_manager,
+      expiration_manager):
+    """Constructor.
+
+    Args:
+      termination_manager: The operation's _interfaces.TerminationManager.
+      transmission_manager: The operation's _interfaces.TransmissionManager.
+      ingestion_manager: The operation's _interfaces.IngestionManager.
+      expiration_manager: The operation's _interfaces.ExpirationManager.
+    """
+    self._termination_manager = termination_manager
+    self._transmission_manager = transmission_manager
+    self._ingestion_manager = ingestion_manager
+    self._expiration_manager = expiration_manager
+
+    self._last_ticket_seen = False
+
+  def _abortive(self, ticket):
+    """Determines whether or not (and if so, how) a ticket is abortive.
+
+    Args:
+      ticket: A just-arrived ticket.
+
+    Returns:
+      An interfaces.Outcome value describing operation abortion if the ticket
+        is abortive or None if the ticket is not abortive.
+    """
+    if ticket.kind is interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.CANCELLATION:
+      return interfaces.Outcome.CANCELLED
+    elif ticket.kind is interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.EXPIRATION:
+      return interfaces.Outcome.EXPIRED
+    elif ticket.kind is interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.SERVICER_FAILURE:
+      return interfaces.Outcome.SERVICER_FAILURE
+    elif ticket.kind is interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.RECEPTION_FAILURE:
+      return interfaces.Outcome.SERVICER_FAILURE
+    elif self._last_ticket_seen:
+      return interfaces.Outcome.RECEPTION_FAILURE
+    else:
+      return None
+
+  def abort_if_abortive(self, ticket):
+    """See _Receiver.abort_if_abortive for specification."""
+    return _abort_if_abortive(
+        ticket, self._abortive, self._termination_manager,
+        self._transmission_manager, self._ingestion_manager,
+        self._expiration_manager)
+
+  def receive(self, ticket):
+    """See _Receiver.receive for specification."""
+    if ticket.kind is interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.CONTINUATION:
+      self._ingestion_manager.consume(ticket.payload)
+    elif ticket.kind is interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.COMPLETION:
+      self._last_ticket_seen = True
+      if ticket.payload is None:
+        self._ingestion_manager.terminate()
+      else:
+        self._ingestion_manager.consume_and_terminate(ticket.payload)
+
+  def reception_failure(self):
+    """See _Receiver.reception_failure for specification."""
+    _reception_failure(
+        self._termination_manager, self._transmission_manager,
+        self._ingestion_manager, self._expiration_manager)
+
+
+class _ReceptionManager(_interfaces.ReceptionManager):
+  """A ReceptionManager based around a _Receiver passed to it."""
+
+  def __init__(self, lock, receiver):
+    """Constructor.
+
+    Args:
+      lock: The operation-servicing-wide lock object.
+      receiver: A _Receiver responsible for handling received tickets.
+    """
+    self._lock = lock
+    self._receiver = receiver
+
+    self._lowest_unseen_sequence_number = 0
+    self._out_of_sequence_tickets = {}
+    self._completed_sequence_number = None
+    self._aborted = False
+
+  def _sequence_failure(self, ticket):
+    """Determines a just-arrived ticket's sequential legitimacy.
+
+    Args:
+      ticket: A just-arrived ticket.
+
+    Returns:
+      True if the ticket is sequentially legitimate; False otherwise.
+    """
+    if ticket.sequence_number < self._lowest_unseen_sequence_number:
+      return True
+    elif ticket.sequence_number in self._out_of_sequence_tickets:
+      return True
+    elif (self._completed_sequence_number is not None and
+          self._completed_sequence_number <= ticket.sequence_number):
+      return True
+    else:
+      return False
+
+  def _process(self, ticket):
+    """Process those tickets ready to be processed.
+
+    Args:
+      ticket: A just-arrived ticket the sequence number of which matches this
+        _ReceptionManager's _lowest_unseen_sequence_number field.
+    """
+    while True:
+      completed = self._receiver.receive(ticket)
+      if completed:
+        self._out_of_sequence_tickets.clear()
+        self._completed_sequence_number = ticket.sequence_number
+        self._lowest_unseen_sequence_number = ticket.sequence_number + 1
+        return
+      else:
+        next_ticket = self._out_of_sequence_tickets.pop(
+            ticket.sequence_number + 1, None)
+        if next_ticket is None:
+          self._lowest_unseen_sequence_number = ticket.sequence_number + 1
+          return
+        else:
+          ticket = next_ticket
+
+  def receive_ticket(self, ticket):
+    """See _interfaces.ReceptionManager.receive_ticket for specification."""
+    with self._lock:
+      if self._aborted:
+        return
+      elif self._sequence_failure(ticket):
+        self._receiver.reception_failure()
+        self._aborted = True
+      elif self._receiver.abort_if_abortive(ticket):
+        self._aborted = True
+      elif ticket.sequence_number == self._lowest_unseen_sequence_number:
+        self._process(ticket)
+      else:
+        self._out_of_sequence_tickets[ticket.sequence_number] = ticket
+
+
+def front_reception_manager(
+    lock, termination_manager, transmission_manager, ingestion_manager,
+    expiration_manager):
+  """Creates a _interfaces.ReceptionManager for front-side use.
+
+  Args:
+    lock: The operation-servicing-wide lock object.
+    termination_manager: The operation's _interfaces.TerminationManager.
+    transmission_manager: The operation's _interfaces.TransmissionManager.
+    ingestion_manager: The operation's _interfaces.IngestionManager.
+    expiration_manager: The operation's _interfaces.ExpirationManager.
+
+  Returns:
+    A _interfaces.ReceptionManager appropriate for front-side use.
+  """
+  return _ReceptionManager(
+      lock, _FrontReceiver(
+          termination_manager, transmission_manager, ingestion_manager,
+          expiration_manager))
+
+
+def back_reception_manager(
+    lock, termination_manager, transmission_manager, ingestion_manager,
+    expiration_manager):
+  """Creates a _interfaces.ReceptionManager for back-side use.
+
+  Args:
+    lock: The operation-servicing-wide lock object.
+    termination_manager: The operation's _interfaces.TerminationManager.
+    transmission_manager: The operation's _interfaces.TransmissionManager.
+    ingestion_manager: The operation's _interfaces.IngestionManager.
+    expiration_manager: The operation's _interfaces.ExpirationManager.
+
+  Returns:
+    A _interfaces.ReceptionManager appropriate for back-side use.
+  """
+  return _ReceptionManager(
+      lock, _BackReceiver(
+          termination_manager, transmission_manager, ingestion_manager,
+          expiration_manager))
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/_termination.py b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/_termination.py
similarity index 98%
rename from src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/_termination.py
rename to src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/_termination.py
index 6afba88..ddcbc60 100644
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/_termination.py
+++ b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/_termination.py
@@ -31,9 +31,9 @@
 
 import enum
 
+from grpc.framework.base import _constants
+from grpc.framework.base import _interfaces
 from grpc.framework.base import interfaces
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import _constants
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import _interfaces
 from grpc.framework.foundation import callable_util
 
 _CALLBACK_EXCEPTION_LOG_MESSAGE = 'Exception calling termination callback!'
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/_transmission.py b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/_transmission.py
similarity index 68%
rename from src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/_transmission.py
rename to src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/_transmission.py
index 1b18204..6845129 100644
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/_transmission.py
+++ b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/_transmission.py
@@ -27,14 +27,13 @@
 # (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE
 # OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
 
-"""State and behavior for packet transmission during an operation."""
+"""State and behavior for ticket transmission during an operation."""
 
 import abc
 
+from grpc.framework.base import _constants
+from grpc.framework.base import _interfaces
 from grpc.framework.base import interfaces
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import _constants
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import _interfaces
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import packets
 from grpc.framework.foundation import callable_util
 
 _TRANSMISSION_EXCEPTION_LOG_MESSAGE = 'Exception during transmission!'
@@ -47,53 +46,53 @@
     interfaces.Outcome.SERVICED_FAILURE,
     )
 
-_ABORTION_OUTCOME_TO_FRONT_TO_BACK_PACKET_KIND = {
+_ABORTION_OUTCOME_TO_FRONT_TO_BACK_TICKET_KIND = {
     interfaces.Outcome.CANCELLED:
-        packets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.CANCELLATION,
+        interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.CANCELLATION,
     interfaces.Outcome.EXPIRED:
-        packets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.EXPIRATION,
+        interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.EXPIRATION,
     interfaces.Outcome.RECEPTION_FAILURE:
-        packets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.RECEPTION_FAILURE,
+        interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.RECEPTION_FAILURE,
     interfaces.Outcome.TRANSMISSION_FAILURE:
-        packets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.TRANSMISSION_FAILURE,
+        interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.TRANSMISSION_FAILURE,
     interfaces.Outcome.SERVICED_FAILURE:
-        packets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.SERVICED_FAILURE,
+        interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.SERVICED_FAILURE,
     interfaces.Outcome.SERVICER_FAILURE:
-        packets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.SERVICER_FAILURE,
+        interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.SERVICER_FAILURE,
 }
 
-_ABORTION_OUTCOME_TO_BACK_TO_FRONT_PACKET_KIND = {
+_ABORTION_OUTCOME_TO_BACK_TO_FRONT_TICKET_KIND = {
     interfaces.Outcome.CANCELLED:
-        packets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.CANCELLATION,
+        interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.CANCELLATION,
     interfaces.Outcome.EXPIRED:
-        packets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.EXPIRATION,
+        interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.EXPIRATION,
     interfaces.Outcome.RECEPTION_FAILURE:
-        packets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.RECEPTION_FAILURE,
+        interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.RECEPTION_FAILURE,
     interfaces.Outcome.TRANSMISSION_FAILURE:
-        packets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.TRANSMISSION_FAILURE,
+        interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.TRANSMISSION_FAILURE,
     interfaces.Outcome.SERVICED_FAILURE:
-        packets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.SERVICED_FAILURE,
+        interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.SERVICED_FAILURE,
     interfaces.Outcome.SERVICER_FAILURE:
-        packets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.SERVICER_FAILURE,
+        interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.SERVICER_FAILURE,
 }
 
 
-class _Packetizer(object):
-  """Common specification of different packet-creating behavior."""
+class _Ticketizer(object):
+  """Common specification of different ticket-creating behavior."""
   __metaclass__ = abc.ABCMeta
 
   @abc.abstractmethod
-  def packetize(self, operation_id, sequence_number, payload, complete):
-    """Creates a packet indicating ordinary operation progress.
+  def ticketize(self, operation_id, sequence_number, payload, complete):
+    """Creates a ticket indicating ordinary operation progress.
 
     Args:
       operation_id: The operation ID for the current operation.
-      sequence_number: A sequence number for the packet.
+      sequence_number: A sequence number for the ticket.
       payload: A customer payload object. May be None if sequence_number is
         zero or complete is true.
-      complete: A boolean indicating whether or not the packet should describe
+      complete: A boolean indicating whether or not the ticket should describe
         itself as (but for a later indication of operation abortion) the last
-        packet to be sent.
+        ticket to be sent.
 
     Returns:
       An object of an appropriate type suitable for transmission to the other
@@ -102,12 +101,12 @@
     raise NotImplementedError()
 
   @abc.abstractmethod
-  def packetize_abortion(self, operation_id, sequence_number, outcome):
-    """Creates a packet indicating that the operation is aborted.
+  def ticketize_abortion(self, operation_id, sequence_number, outcome):
+    """Creates a ticket indicating that the operation is aborted.
 
     Args:
       operation_id: The operation ID for the current operation.
-      sequence_number: A sequence number for the packet.
+      sequence_number: A sequence number for the ticket.
       outcome: An interfaces.Outcome value describing the operation abortion.
 
     Returns:
@@ -118,8 +117,8 @@
     raise NotImplementedError()
 
 
-class _FrontPacketizer(_Packetizer):
-  """Front-side packet-creating behavior."""
+class _FrontTicketizer(_Ticketizer):
+  """Front-side ticket-creating behavior."""
 
   def __init__(self, name, subscription_kind, trace_id, timeout):
     """Constructor.
@@ -127,7 +126,7 @@
     Args:
       name: The name of the operation.
       subscription_kind: An interfaces.ServicedSubscription.Kind value
-        describing the interest the front has in packets sent from the back.
+        describing the interest the front has in tickets sent from the back.
       trace_id: A uuid.UUID identifying a set of related operations to which
         this operation belongs.
       timeout: A length of time in seconds to allow for the entire operation.
@@ -137,54 +136,54 @@
     self._trace_id = trace_id
     self._timeout = timeout
 
-  def packetize(self, operation_id, sequence_number, payload, complete):
-    """See _Packetizer.packetize for specification."""
+  def ticketize(self, operation_id, sequence_number, payload, complete):
+    """See _Ticketizer.ticketize for specification."""
     if sequence_number:
       if complete:
-        kind = packets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.COMPLETION
+        kind = interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.COMPLETION
       else:
-        kind = packets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.CONTINUATION
-      return packets.FrontToBackPacket(
+        kind = interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.CONTINUATION
+      return interfaces.FrontToBackTicket(
           operation_id, sequence_number, kind, self._name,
           self._subscription_kind, self._trace_id, payload, self._timeout)
     else:
       if complete:
-        kind = packets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.ENTIRE
+        kind = interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.ENTIRE
       else:
-        kind = packets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.COMMENCEMENT
-      return packets.FrontToBackPacket(
+        kind = interfaces.FrontToBackTicket.Kind.COMMENCEMENT
+      return interfaces.FrontToBackTicket(
           operation_id, 0, kind, self._name, self._subscription_kind,
           self._trace_id, payload, self._timeout)
 
-  def packetize_abortion(self, operation_id, sequence_number, outcome):
-    """See _Packetizer.packetize_abortion for specification."""
+  def ticketize_abortion(self, operation_id, sequence_number, outcome):
+    """See _Ticketizer.ticketize_abortion for specification."""
     if outcome in _FRONT_TO_BACK_NO_TRANSMISSION_OUTCOMES:
       return None
     else:
-      kind = _ABORTION_OUTCOME_TO_FRONT_TO_BACK_PACKET_KIND[outcome]
-      return packets.FrontToBackPacket(
+      kind = _ABORTION_OUTCOME_TO_FRONT_TO_BACK_TICKET_KIND[outcome]
+      return interfaces.FrontToBackTicket(
           operation_id, sequence_number, kind, None, None, None, None, None)
 
 
-class _BackPacketizer(_Packetizer):
-  """Back-side packet-creating behavior."""
+class _BackTicketizer(_Ticketizer):
+  """Back-side ticket-creating behavior."""
 
-  def packetize(self, operation_id, sequence_number, payload, complete):
-    """See _Packetizer.packetize for specification."""
+  def ticketize(self, operation_id, sequence_number, payload, complete):
+    """See _Ticketizer.ticketize for specification."""
     if complete:
-      kind = packets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.COMPLETION
+      kind = interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.COMPLETION
     else:
-      kind = packets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.CONTINUATION
-    return packets.BackToFrontPacket(
+      kind = interfaces.BackToFrontTicket.Kind.CONTINUATION
+    return interfaces.BackToFrontTicket(
         operation_id, sequence_number, kind, payload)
 
-  def packetize_abortion(self, operation_id, sequence_number, outcome):
-    """See _Packetizer.packetize_abortion for specification."""
+  def ticketize_abortion(self, operation_id, sequence_number, outcome):
+    """See _Ticketizer.ticketize_abortion for specification."""
     if outcome in _BACK_TO_FRONT_NO_TRANSMISSION_OUTCOMES:
       return None
     else:
-      kind = _ABORTION_OUTCOME_TO_BACK_TO_FRONT_PACKET_KIND[outcome]
-      return packets.BackToFrontPacket(
+      kind = _ABORTION_OUTCOME_TO_BACK_TO_FRONT_TICKET_KIND[outcome]
+      return interfaces.BackToFrontTicket(
           operation_id, sequence_number, kind, None)
 
 
@@ -221,21 +220,21 @@
 
 
 class _TransmittingTransmissionManager(TransmissionManager):
-  """A TransmissionManager implementation that sends packets."""
+  """A TransmissionManager implementation that sends tickets."""
 
   def __init__(
-      self, lock, pool, callback, operation_id, packetizer,
+      self, lock, pool, callback, operation_id, ticketizer,
       termination_manager):
     """Constructor.
 
     Args:
       lock: The operation-servicing-wide lock object.
-      pool: A thread pool in which the work of transmitting packets will be
+      pool: A thread pool in which the work of transmitting tickets will be
         performed.
-      callback: A callable that accepts packets and sends them to the other side
+      callback: A callable that accepts tickets and sends them to the other side
         of the operation.
       operation_id: The operation's ID.
-      packetizer: A _Packetizer for packet creation.
+      ticketizer: A _Ticketizer for ticket creation.
       termination_manager: The _interfaces.TerminationManager associated with
         this operation.
     """
@@ -243,7 +242,7 @@
     self._pool = pool
     self._callback = callback
     self._operation_id = operation_id
-    self._packetizer = packetizer
+    self._ticketizer = ticketizer
     self._termination_manager = termination_manager
     self._ingestion_manager = None
     self._expiration_manager = None
@@ -260,8 +259,8 @@
     self._ingestion_manager = ingestion_manager
     self._expiration_manager = expiration_manager
 
-  def _lead_packet(self, emission, complete):
-    """Creates a packet suitable for leading off the transmission loop.
+  def _lead_ticket(self, emission, complete):
+    """Creates a ticket suitable for leading off the transmission loop.
 
     Args:
       emission: A customer payload object to be sent to the other side of the
@@ -270,37 +269,37 @@
         the passed object.
 
     Returns:
-      A packet with which to lead off the transmission loop.
+      A ticket with which to lead off the transmission loop.
     """
     sequence_number = self._lowest_unused_sequence_number
     self._lowest_unused_sequence_number += 1
-    return self._packetizer.packetize(
+    return self._ticketizer.ticketize(
         self._operation_id, sequence_number, emission, complete)
 
-  def _abortive_response_packet(self, outcome):
-    """Creates a packet indicating operation abortion.
+  def _abortive_response_ticket(self, outcome):
+    """Creates a ticket indicating operation abortion.
 
     Args:
       outcome: An interfaces.Outcome value describing operation abortion.
 
     Returns:
-      A packet indicating operation abortion.
+      A ticket indicating operation abortion.
     """
-    packet = self._packetizer.packetize_abortion(
+    ticket = self._ticketizer.ticketize_abortion(
         self._operation_id, self._lowest_unused_sequence_number, outcome)
-    if packet is None:
+    if ticket is None:
       return None
     else:
       self._lowest_unused_sequence_number += 1
-      return packet
+      return ticket
 
-  def _next_packet(self):
-    """Creates the next packet to be sent to the other side of the operation.
+  def _next_ticket(self):
+    """Creates the next ticket to be sent to the other side of the operation.
 
     Returns:
-      A (completed, packet) tuple comprised of a boolean indicating whether or
-        not the sequence of packets has completed normally and a packet to send
-        to the other side if the sequence of packets hasn't completed. The tuple
+      A (completed, ticket) tuple comprised of a boolean indicating whether or
+        not the sequence of tickets has completed normally and a ticket to send
+        to the other side if the sequence of tickets hasn't completed. The tuple
         will never have both a True first element and a non-None second element.
     """
     if self._emissions is None:
@@ -311,29 +310,29 @@
         complete = self._emission_complete and not self._emissions
         sequence_number = self._lowest_unused_sequence_number
         self._lowest_unused_sequence_number += 1
-        return complete, self._packetizer.packetize(
+        return complete, self._ticketizer.ticketize(
             self._operation_id, sequence_number, payload, complete)
       else:
         return self._emission_complete, None
     else:
-      packet = self._abortive_response_packet(self._outcome)
+      ticket = self._abortive_response_ticket(self._outcome)
       self._emissions = None
-      return False, None if packet is None else packet
+      return False, None if ticket is None else ticket
 
-  def _transmit(self, packet):
-    """Commences the transmission loop sending packets.
+  def _transmit(self, ticket):
+    """Commences the transmission loop sending tickets.
 
     Args:
-      packet: A packet to be sent to the other side of the operation.
+      ticket: A ticket to be sent to the other side of the operation.
     """
-    def transmit(packet):
+    def transmit(ticket):
       while True:
         transmission_outcome = callable_util.call_logging_exceptions(
-            self._callback, _TRANSMISSION_EXCEPTION_LOG_MESSAGE, packet)
+            self._callback, _TRANSMISSION_EXCEPTION_LOG_MESSAGE, ticket)
         if transmission_outcome.exception is None:
           with self._lock:
-            complete, packet = self._next_packet()
-            if packet is None:
+            complete, ticket = self._next_ticket()
+            if ticket is None:
               if complete:
                 self._termination_manager.transmission_complete()
               self._transmitting = False
@@ -349,7 +348,7 @@
             return
 
     self._pool.submit(callable_util.with_exceptions_logged(
-        transmit, _constants.INTERNAL_ERROR_LOG_MESSAGE), packet)
+        transmit, _constants.INTERNAL_ERROR_LOG_MESSAGE), ticket)
     self._transmitting = True
 
   def inmit(self, emission, complete):
@@ -359,17 +358,17 @@
       if self._transmitting:
         self._emissions.append(emission)
       else:
-        self._transmit(self._lead_packet(emission, complete))
+        self._transmit(self._lead_ticket(emission, complete))
 
   def abort(self, outcome):
     """See _interfaces.TransmissionManager.abort for specification."""
     if self._emissions is not None and self._outcome is None:
       self._outcome = outcome
       if not self._transmitting:
-        packet = self._abortive_response_packet(outcome)
+        ticket = self._abortive_response_ticket(outcome)
         self._emissions = None
-        if packet is not None:
-          self._transmit(packet)
+        if ticket is not None:
+          self._transmit(ticket)
 
 
 def front_transmission_manager(
@@ -379,14 +378,14 @@
 
   Args:
     lock: The operation-servicing-wide lock object.
-    pool: A thread pool in which the work of transmitting packets will be
+    pool: A thread pool in which the work of transmitting tickets will be
       performed.
-    callback: A callable that accepts packets and sends them to the other side
+    callback: A callable that accepts tickets and sends them to the other side
       of the operation.
     operation_id: The operation's ID.
     name: The name of the operation.
     subscription_kind: An interfaces.ServicedSubscription.Kind value
-      describing the interest the front has in packets sent from the back.
+      describing the interest the front has in tickets sent from the back.
     trace_id: A uuid.UUID identifying a set of related operations to which
       this operation belongs.
     timeout: A length of time in seconds to allow for the entire operation.
@@ -397,7 +396,7 @@
     A TransmissionManager appropriate for front-side use.
   """
   return _TransmittingTransmissionManager(
-      lock, pool, callback, operation_id, _FrontPacketizer(
+      lock, pool, callback, operation_id, _FrontTicketizer(
           name, subscription_kind, trace_id, timeout),
       termination_manager)
 
@@ -409,15 +408,15 @@
 
   Args:
     lock: The operation-servicing-wide lock object.
-    pool: A thread pool in which the work of transmitting packets will be
+    pool: A thread pool in which the work of transmitting tickets will be
       performed.
-    callback: A callable that accepts packets and sends them to the other side
+    callback: A callable that accepts tickets and sends them to the other side
       of the operation.
     operation_id: The operation's ID.
     termination_manager: The _interfaces.TerminationManager associated with
       this operation.
     subscription_kind: An interfaces.ServicedSubscription.Kind value
-      describing the interest the front has in packets sent from the back.
+      describing the interest the front has in tickets sent from the back.
 
   Returns:
     A TransmissionManager appropriate for back-side use.
@@ -426,5 +425,5 @@
     return _EmptyTransmissionManager()
   else:
     return _TransmittingTransmissionManager(
-        lock, pool, callback, operation_id, _BackPacketizer(),
+        lock, pool, callback, operation_id, _BackTicketizer(),
         termination_manager)
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/implementations.py b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/implementations.py
similarity index 75%
rename from src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/implementations.py
rename to src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/implementations.py
index 28688bc..5656f9f 100644
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/implementations.py
+++ b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/implementations.py
@@ -27,51 +27,51 @@
 # (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE
 # OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
 
-"""Entry points into the packet-exchange-based implementation the base layer."""
+"""Entry points into the ticket-exchange-based base layer implementation."""
 
 # interfaces is referenced from specification in this module.
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import _ends
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import interfaces  # pylint: disable=unused-import
+from grpc.framework.base import _ends
+from grpc.framework.base import interfaces  # pylint: disable=unused-import
 
 
-def front(work_pool, transmission_pool, utility_pool):
-  """Factory function for creating interfaces.Fronts.
+def front_link(work_pool, transmission_pool, utility_pool):
+  """Factory function for creating interfaces.FrontLinks.
 
   Args:
-    work_pool: A thread pool to be used for doing work within the created Front
-      object.
-    transmission_pool: A thread pool to be used within the created Front object
-      for transmitting values to some Back object.
-    utility_pool: A thread pool to be used within the created Front object for
-      utility tasks.
+    work_pool: A thread pool to be used for doing work within the created
+      FrontLink object.
+    transmission_pool: A thread pool to be used within the created FrontLink
+      object for transmitting values to a joined RearLink object.
+    utility_pool: A thread pool to be used within the created FrontLink object
+      for utility tasks.
 
   Returns:
-    An interfaces.Front.
+    An interfaces.FrontLink.
   """
-  return _ends.Front(work_pool, transmission_pool, utility_pool)
+  return _ends.FrontLink(work_pool, transmission_pool, utility_pool)
 
 
-def back(
+def back_link(
     servicer, work_pool, transmission_pool, utility_pool, default_timeout,
     maximum_timeout):
-  """Factory function for creating interfaces.Backs.
+  """Factory function for creating interfaces.BackLinks.
 
   Args:
     servicer: An interfaces.Servicer for servicing operations.
-    work_pool: A thread pool to be used for doing work within the created Back
-      object.
-    transmission_pool: A thread pool to be used within the created Back object
-      for transmitting values to some Front object.
-    utility_pool: A thread pool to be used within the created Back object for
-      utility tasks.
+    work_pool: A thread pool to be used for doing work within the created
+      BackLink object.
+    transmission_pool: A thread pool to be used within the created BackLink
+      object for transmitting values to a joined ForeLink object.
+    utility_pool: A thread pool to be used within the created BackLink object
+      for utility tasks.
     default_timeout: A length of time in seconds to be used as the default
       time alloted for a single operation.
     maximum_timeout: A length of time in seconds to be used as the maximum
       time alloted for a single operation.
 
   Returns:
-    An interfaces.Back.
+    An interfaces.BackLink.
   """
-  return _ends.Back(
+  return _ends.BackLink(
       servicer, work_pool, transmission_pool, utility_pool, default_timeout,
       maximum_timeout)
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/implementations_test.py b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/implementations_test.py
similarity index 94%
rename from src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/implementations_test.py
rename to src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/implementations_test.py
index e585570..11e49ca 100644
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/implementations_test.py
+++ b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/implementations_test.py
@@ -27,13 +27,13 @@
 # (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE
 # OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
 
-"""Tests for _framework.base.packets.implementations."""
+"""Tests for grpc.framework.base.implementations."""
 
 import unittest
 
+from grpc.framework.base import implementations
 from grpc.framework.base import interfaces_test_case
 from grpc.framework.base import util
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import implementations
 from grpc.framework.foundation import logging_pool
 
 POOL_MAX_WORKERS = 100
@@ -54,10 +54,10 @@
     self.back_utility_pool = logging_pool.pool(POOL_MAX_WORKERS)
     self.test_pool = logging_pool.pool(POOL_MAX_WORKERS)
     self.test_servicer = interfaces_test_case.TestServicer(self.test_pool)
-    self.front = implementations.front(
+    self.front = implementations.front_link(
         self.front_work_pool, self.front_transmission_pool,
         self.front_utility_pool)
-    self.back = implementations.back(
+    self.back = implementations.back_link(
         self.test_servicer, self.back_work_pool, self.back_transmission_pool,
         self.back_utility_pool, DEFAULT_TIMEOUT, MAXIMUM_TIMEOUT)
     self.front.join_rear_link(self.back)
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/in_memory.py b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/in_memory.py
similarity index 95%
rename from src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/in_memory.py
rename to src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/in_memory.py
index 453fd3b..c92d0bc 100644
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/in_memory.py
+++ b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/in_memory.py
@@ -27,12 +27,12 @@
 # (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE
 # OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
 
-"""Entry points into the packet-exchange-based implementation the base layer."""
+"""In-memory implementations of base layer interfaces."""
 
 import threading
 
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import _constants
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import interfaces
+from grpc.framework.base import _constants
+from grpc.framework.base import interfaces
 from grpc.framework.foundation import callable_util
 
 
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/interfaces.py b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/interfaces.py
index ed43b25..e22c10d 100644
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/interfaces.py
+++ b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/interfaces.py
@@ -30,6 +30,7 @@
 """Interfaces defined and used by the base layer of RPC Framework."""
 
 import abc
+import collections
 import enum
 
 # stream is referenced from specification in this module.
@@ -230,3 +231,133 @@
 class Back(End):
   """Serverish objects that perform the work of operations."""
   __metaclass__ = abc.ABCMeta
+
+
+class FrontToBackTicket(
+    collections.namedtuple(
+        'FrontToBackTicket',
+        ['operation_id', 'sequence_number', 'kind', 'name', 'subscription',
+         'trace_id', 'payload', 'timeout'])):
+  """A sum type for all values sent from a front to a back.
+
+  Attributes:
+    operation_id: A unique-with-respect-to-equality hashable object identifying
+      a particular operation.
+    sequence_number: A zero-indexed integer sequence number identifying the
+      ticket's place among all the tickets sent from front to back for this
+      particular operation. Must be zero if kind is Kind.COMMENCEMENT or
+      Kind.ENTIRE. Must be positive for any other kind.
+    kind: A Kind value describing the overall kind of ticket.
+    name: The name of an operation. Must be present if kind is Kind.COMMENCEMENT
+      or Kind.ENTIRE. Must be None for any other kind.
+    subscription: An ServicedSubscription.Kind value describing the interest
+      the front has in tickets sent from the back. Must be present if
+      kind is Kind.COMMENCEMENT or Kind.ENTIRE. Must be None for any other kind.
+    trace_id: A uuid.UUID identifying a set of related operations to which this
+      operation belongs. May be None.
+    payload: A customer payload object. Must be present if kind is
+      Kind.CONTINUATION. Must be None if kind is Kind.CANCELLATION. May be None
+      for any other kind.
+    timeout: An optional length of time (measured from the beginning of the
+      operation) to allow for the entire operation. If None, a default value on
+      the back will be used. If present and excessively large, the back may
+      limit the operation to a smaller duration of its choice. May be present
+      for any ticket kind; setting a value on a later ticket allows fronts
+      to request time extensions (or even time reductions!) on in-progress
+      operations.
+  """
+
+  @enum.unique
+  class Kind(enum.Enum):
+    """Identifies the overall kind of a FrontToBackTicket."""
+
+    COMMENCEMENT = 'commencement'
+    CONTINUATION = 'continuation'
+    COMPLETION = 'completion'
+    ENTIRE = 'entire'
+    CANCELLATION = 'cancellation'
+    EXPIRATION = 'expiration'
+    SERVICER_FAILURE = 'servicer failure'
+    SERVICED_FAILURE = 'serviced failure'
+    RECEPTION_FAILURE = 'reception failure'
+    TRANSMISSION_FAILURE = 'transmission failure'
+
+
+class BackToFrontTicket(
+    collections.namedtuple(
+        'BackToFrontTicket',
+        ['operation_id', 'sequence_number', 'kind', 'payload'])):
+  """A sum type for all values sent from a back to a front.
+
+  Attributes:
+    operation_id: A unique-with-respect-to-equality hashable object identifying
+      a particular operation.
+    sequence_number: A zero-indexed integer sequence number identifying the
+      ticket's place among all the tickets sent from back to front for this
+      particular operation.
+    kind: A Kind value describing the overall kind of ticket.
+    payload: A customer payload object. Must be present if kind is
+      Kind.CONTINUATION. May be None if kind is Kind.COMPLETION. Must be None
+      otherwise.
+  """
+
+  @enum.unique
+  class Kind(enum.Enum):
+    """Identifies the overall kind of a BackToFrontTicket."""
+
+    CONTINUATION = 'continuation'
+    COMPLETION = 'completion'
+    CANCELLATION = 'cancellation'
+    EXPIRATION = 'expiration'
+    SERVICER_FAILURE = 'servicer failure'
+    SERVICED_FAILURE = 'serviced failure'
+    RECEPTION_FAILURE = 'reception failure'
+    TRANSMISSION_FAILURE = 'transmission failure'
+
+
+class ForeLink(object):
+  """Accepts back-to-front tickets and emits front-to-back tickets."""
+  __metaclass__ = abc.ABCMeta
+
+  @abc.abstractmethod
+  def accept_back_to_front_ticket(self, ticket):
+    """Accept a BackToFrontTicket.
+
+    Args:
+      ticket: Any BackToFrontTicket.
+    """
+    raise NotImplementedError()
+
+  @abc.abstractmethod
+  def join_rear_link(self, rear_link):
+    """Mates this object with a peer with which it will exchange tickets."""
+    raise NotImplementedError()
+
+
+class RearLink(object):
+  """Accepts front-to-back tickets and emits back-to-front tickets."""
+  __metaclass__ = abc.ABCMeta
+
+  @abc.abstractmethod
+  def accept_front_to_back_ticket(self, ticket):
+    """Accepts a FrontToBackTicket.
+
+    Args:
+      ticket: Any FrontToBackTicket.
+    """
+    raise NotImplementedError()
+
+  @abc.abstractmethod
+  def join_fore_link(self, fore_link):
+    """Mates this object with a peer with which it will exchange tickets."""
+    raise NotImplementedError()
+
+
+class FrontLink(Front, ForeLink):
+  """Clientish objects that operate by sending and receiving tickets."""
+  __metaclass__ = abc.ABCMeta
+
+
+class BackLink(Back, RearLink):
+  """Serverish objects that operate by sending and receiving tickets."""
+  __metaclass__ = abc.ABCMeta
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/interfaces_test_case.py b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/interfaces_test_case.py
index b86011c..dec10c2 100644
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/interfaces_test_case.py
+++ b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/interfaces_test_case.py
@@ -164,7 +164,7 @@
   # pylint: disable=invalid-name
 
   def testSimplestCall(self):
-    """Tests the absolute simplest call - a one-packet fire-and-forget."""
+    """Tests the absolute simplest call - a one-ticket fire-and-forget."""
     self.front.operate(
         SYNCHRONOUS_ECHO, None, True, SMALL_TIMEOUT,
         util.none_serviced_subscription(), 'test trace ID')
@@ -175,25 +175,25 @@
     # Assuming nothing really pathological (such as pauses on the order of
     # SMALL_TIMEOUT interfering with this test) there are a two different ways
     # the back could have experienced execution up to this point:
-    # (1) The packet is still either in the front waiting to be transmitted
+    # (1) The ticket is still either in the front waiting to be transmitted
     # or is somewhere on the link between the front and the back. The back has
     # no idea that this test is even happening. Calling wait_for_idle on it
     # would do no good because in this case the back is idle and the call would
-    # return with the packet bound for it still in the front or on the link.
+    # return with the ticket bound for it still in the front or on the link.
     back_operation_stats = self.back.operation_stats()
     first_back_possibility = EMPTY_OUTCOME_DICT
-    # (2) The packet arrived at the back and the back completed the operation.
+    # (2) The ticket arrived at the back and the back completed the operation.
     second_back_possibility = dict(EMPTY_OUTCOME_DICT)
     second_back_possibility[interfaces.Outcome.COMPLETED] = 1
     self.assertIn(
         back_operation_stats, (first_back_possibility, second_back_possibility))
-    # It's true that if the packet had arrived at the back and the back had
+    # It's true that if the ticket had arrived at the back and the back had
     # begun processing that wait_for_idle could hold test execution until the
     # back completed the operation, but that doesn't really collapse the
     # possibility space down to one solution.
 
   def testEntireEcho(self):
-    """Tests a very simple one-packet-each-way round-trip."""
+    """Tests a very simple one-ticket-each-way round-trip."""
     test_payload = 'test payload'
     test_consumer = stream_testing.TestConsumer()
     subscription = util.full_serviced_subscription(
@@ -212,7 +212,7 @@
     self.assertListEqual([(test_payload, True)], test_consumer.calls)
 
   def testBidirectionalStreamingEcho(self):
-    """Tests sending multiple packets each way."""
+    """Tests sending multiple tickets each way."""
     test_payload_template = 'test_payload: %03d'
     test_payloads = [test_payload_template % i for i in range(STREAM_LENGTH)]
     test_consumer = stream_testing.TestConsumer()
@@ -255,16 +255,16 @@
     # Assuming nothing really pathological (such as pauses on the order of
     # SMALL_TIMEOUT interfering with this test) there are a two different ways
     # the back could have experienced execution up to this point:
-    # (1) Both packets are still either in the front waiting to be transmitted
+    # (1) Both tickets are still either in the front waiting to be transmitted
     # or are somewhere on the link between the front and the back. The back has
     # no idea that this test is even happening. Calling wait_for_idle on it
     # would do no good because in this case the back is idle and the call would
-    # return with the packets bound for it still in the front or on the link.
+    # return with the tickets bound for it still in the front or on the link.
     back_operation_stats = self.back.operation_stats()
     first_back_possibility = EMPTY_OUTCOME_DICT
-    # (2) Both packets arrived within SMALL_TIMEOUT of one another at the back.
-    # The back started processing based on the first packet and then stopped
-    # upon receiving the cancellation packet.
+    # (2) Both tickets arrived within SMALL_TIMEOUT of one another at the back.
+    # The back started processing based on the first ticket and then stopped
+    # upon receiving the cancellation ticket.
     second_back_possibility = dict(EMPTY_OUTCOME_DICT)
     second_back_possibility[interfaces.Outcome.CANCELLED] = 1
     self.assertIn(
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/null.py b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/null.py
similarity index 97%
rename from src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/null.py
rename to src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/null.py
index 5a21212..1e30d45 100644
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/null.py
+++ b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/null.py
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@
 
 """Null links that ignore tickets passed to them."""
 
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import interfaces
+from grpc.framework.base import interfaces
 
 
 class _NullForeLink(interfaces.ForeLink):
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/_reception.py b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/_reception.py
deleted file mode 100644
index ef10c7f..0000000
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/_reception.py
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,400 +0,0 @@
-# Copyright 2015, Google Inc.
-# All rights reserved.
-#
-# Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without
-# modification, are permitted provided that the following conditions are
-# met:
-#
-#     * Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright
-# notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer.
-#     * Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above
-# copyright notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer
-# in the documentation and/or other materials provided with the
-# distribution.
-#     * Neither the name of Google Inc. nor the names of its
-# contributors may be used to endorse or promote products derived from
-# this software without specific prior written permission.
-#
-# THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND CONTRIBUTORS
-# "AS IS" AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT
-# LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR
-# A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COPYRIGHT
-# OWNER OR CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,
-# SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT
-# LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE,
-# DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY
-# THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT
-# (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE
-# OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
-
-"""State and behavior for packet reception."""
-
-import abc
-
-from grpc.framework.base import interfaces as base_interfaces
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import _interfaces
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import packets
-
-_INITIAL_FRONT_TO_BACK_PACKET_KINDS = (
-    packets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.COMMENCEMENT,
-    packets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.ENTIRE,
-)
-
-
-class _Receiver(object):
-  """Common specification of different packet-handling behavior."""
-  __metaclass__ = abc.ABCMeta
-
-  @abc.abstractmethod
-  def abort_if_abortive(self, packet):
-    """Aborts the operation if the packet is abortive.
-
-    Args:
-      packet: A just-arrived packet.
-
-    Returns:
-      A boolean indicating whether or not this Receiver aborted the operation
-        based on the packet.
-    """
-    raise NotImplementedError()
-
-  @abc.abstractmethod
-  def receive(self, packet):
-    """Handles a just-arrived packet.
-
-    Args:
-      packet: A just-arrived packet.
-
-    Returns:
-      A boolean indicating whether or not the packet was terminal (i.e. whether
-        or not non-abortive packets are legal after this one).
-    """
-    raise NotImplementedError()
-
-  @abc.abstractmethod
-  def reception_failure(self):
-    """Aborts the operation with an indication of reception failure."""
-    raise NotImplementedError()
-
-
-def _abort(
-    outcome, termination_manager, transmission_manager, ingestion_manager,
-    expiration_manager):
-  """Indicates abortion with the given outcome to the given managers."""
-  termination_manager.abort(outcome)
-  transmission_manager.abort(outcome)
-  ingestion_manager.abort()
-  expiration_manager.abort()
-
-
-def _abort_if_abortive(
-    packet, abortive, termination_manager, transmission_manager,
-    ingestion_manager, expiration_manager):
-  """Determines a packet's being abortive and if so aborts the operation.
-
-  Args:
-    packet: A just-arrived packet.
-    abortive: A callable that takes a packet and returns a
-      base_interfaces.Outcome indicating that the operation should be aborted
-      or None indicating that the operation should not be aborted.
-    termination_manager: The operation's _interfaces.TerminationManager.
-    transmission_manager: The operation's _interfaces.TransmissionManager.
-    ingestion_manager: The operation's _interfaces.IngestionManager.
-    expiration_manager: The operation's _interfaces.ExpirationManager.
-
-  Returns:
-    True if the operation was aborted; False otherwise.
-  """
-  abortion_outcome = abortive(packet)
-  if abortion_outcome is None:
-    return False
-  else:
-    _abort(
-        abortion_outcome, termination_manager, transmission_manager,
-        ingestion_manager, expiration_manager)
-    return True
-
-
-def _reception_failure(
-    termination_manager, transmission_manager, ingestion_manager,
-    expiration_manager):
-  """Aborts the operation with an indication of reception failure."""
-  _abort(
-      base_interfaces.Outcome.RECEPTION_FAILURE, termination_manager,
-      transmission_manager, ingestion_manager, expiration_manager)
-
-
-class _BackReceiver(_Receiver):
-  """Packet-handling specific to the back side of an operation."""
-
-  def __init__(
-      self, termination_manager, transmission_manager, ingestion_manager,
-      expiration_manager):
-    """Constructor.
-
-    Args:
-      termination_manager: The operation's _interfaces.TerminationManager.
-      transmission_manager: The operation's _interfaces.TransmissionManager.
-      ingestion_manager: The operation's _interfaces.IngestionManager.
-      expiration_manager: The operation's _interfaces.ExpirationManager.
-    """
-    self._termination_manager = termination_manager
-    self._transmission_manager = transmission_manager
-    self._ingestion_manager = ingestion_manager
-    self._expiration_manager = expiration_manager
-
-    self._first_packet_seen = False
-    self._last_packet_seen = False
-
-  def _abortive(self, packet):
-    """Determines whether or not (and if so, how) a packet is abortive.
-
-    Args:
-      packet: A just-arrived packet.
-
-    Returns:
-      A base_interfaces.Outcome value describing operation abortion if the
-        packet is abortive or None if the packet is not abortive.
-    """
-    if packet.kind is packets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.CANCELLATION:
-      return base_interfaces.Outcome.CANCELLED
-    elif packet.kind is packets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.EXPIRATION:
-      return base_interfaces.Outcome.EXPIRED
-    elif packet.kind is packets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.SERVICED_FAILURE:
-      return base_interfaces.Outcome.SERVICED_FAILURE
-    elif packet.kind is packets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.RECEPTION_FAILURE:
-      return base_interfaces.Outcome.SERVICED_FAILURE
-    elif (packet.kind in _INITIAL_FRONT_TO_BACK_PACKET_KINDS and
-          self._first_packet_seen):
-      return base_interfaces.Outcome.RECEPTION_FAILURE
-    elif self._last_packet_seen:
-      return base_interfaces.Outcome.RECEPTION_FAILURE
-    else:
-      return None
-
-  def abort_if_abortive(self, packet):
-    """See _Receiver.abort_if_abortive for specification."""
-    return _abort_if_abortive(
-        packet, self._abortive, self._termination_manager,
-        self._transmission_manager, self._ingestion_manager,
-        self._expiration_manager)
-
-  def receive(self, packet):
-    """See _Receiver.receive for specification."""
-    if packet.timeout is not None:
-      self._expiration_manager.change_timeout(packet.timeout)
-
-    if packet.kind is packets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.COMMENCEMENT:
-      self._first_packet_seen = True
-      self._ingestion_manager.start(packet.name)
-      if packet.payload is not None:
-        self._ingestion_manager.consume(packet.payload)
-    elif packet.kind is packets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.CONTINUATION:
-      self._ingestion_manager.consume(packet.payload)
-    elif packet.kind is packets.FrontToBackPacket.Kind.COMPLETION:
-      self._last_packet_seen = True
-      if packet.payload is None:
-        self._ingestion_manager.terminate()
-      else:
-        self._ingestion_manager.consume_and_terminate(packet.payload)
-    else:
-      self._first_packet_seen = True
-      self._last_packet_seen = True
-      self._ingestion_manager.start(packet.name)
-      if packet.payload is None:
-        self._ingestion_manager.terminate()
-      else:
-        self._ingestion_manager.consume_and_terminate(packet.payload)
-
-  def reception_failure(self):
-    """See _Receiver.reception_failure for specification."""
-    _reception_failure(
-        self._termination_manager, self._transmission_manager,
-        self._ingestion_manager, self._expiration_manager)
-
-
-class _FrontReceiver(_Receiver):
-  """Packet-handling specific to the front side of an operation."""
-
-  def __init__(
-      self, termination_manager, transmission_manager, ingestion_manager,
-      expiration_manager):
-    """Constructor.
-
-    Args:
-      termination_manager: The operation's _interfaces.TerminationManager.
-      transmission_manager: The operation's _interfaces.TransmissionManager.
-      ingestion_manager: The operation's _interfaces.IngestionManager.
-      expiration_manager: The operation's _interfaces.ExpirationManager.
-    """
-    self._termination_manager = termination_manager
-    self._transmission_manager = transmission_manager
-    self._ingestion_manager = ingestion_manager
-    self._expiration_manager = expiration_manager
-
-    self._last_packet_seen = False
-
-  def _abortive(self, packet):
-    """Determines whether or not (and if so, how) a packet is abortive.
-
-    Args:
-      packet: A just-arrived packet.
-
-    Returns:
-      A base_interfaces.Outcome value describing operation abortion if the
-        packet is abortive or None if the packet is not abortive.
-    """
-    if packet.kind is packets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.CANCELLATION:
-      return base_interfaces.Outcome.CANCELLED
-    elif packet.kind is packets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.EXPIRATION:
-      return base_interfaces.Outcome.EXPIRED
-    elif packet.kind is packets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.SERVICER_FAILURE:
-      return base_interfaces.Outcome.SERVICER_FAILURE
-    elif packet.kind is packets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.RECEPTION_FAILURE:
-      return base_interfaces.Outcome.SERVICER_FAILURE
-    elif self._last_packet_seen:
-      return base_interfaces.Outcome.RECEPTION_FAILURE
-    else:
-      return None
-
-  def abort_if_abortive(self, packet):
-    """See _Receiver.abort_if_abortive for specification."""
-    return _abort_if_abortive(
-        packet, self._abortive, self._termination_manager,
-        self._transmission_manager, self._ingestion_manager,
-        self._expiration_manager)
-
-  def receive(self, packet):
-    """See _Receiver.receive for specification."""
-    if packet.kind is packets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.CONTINUATION:
-      self._ingestion_manager.consume(packet.payload)
-    elif packet.kind is packets.BackToFrontPacket.Kind.COMPLETION:
-      self._last_packet_seen = True
-      if packet.payload is None:
-        self._ingestion_manager.terminate()
-      else:
-        self._ingestion_manager.consume_and_terminate(packet.payload)
-
-  def reception_failure(self):
-    """See _Receiver.reception_failure for specification."""
-    _reception_failure(
-        self._termination_manager, self._transmission_manager,
-        self._ingestion_manager, self._expiration_manager)
-
-
-class _ReceptionManager(_interfaces.ReceptionManager):
-  """A ReceptionManager based around a _Receiver passed to it."""
-
-  def __init__(self, lock, receiver):
-    """Constructor.
-
-    Args:
-      lock: The operation-servicing-wide lock object.
-      receiver: A _Receiver responsible for handling received packets.
-    """
-    self._lock = lock
-    self._receiver = receiver
-
-    self._lowest_unseen_sequence_number = 0
-    self._out_of_sequence_packets = {}
-    self._completed_sequence_number = None
-    self._aborted = False
-
-  def _sequence_failure(self, packet):
-    """Determines a just-arrived packet's sequential legitimacy.
-
-    Args:
-      packet: A just-arrived packet.
-
-    Returns:
-      True if the packet is sequentially legitimate; False otherwise.
-    """
-    if packet.sequence_number < self._lowest_unseen_sequence_number:
-      return True
-    elif packet.sequence_number in self._out_of_sequence_packets:
-      return True
-    elif (self._completed_sequence_number is not None and
-          self._completed_sequence_number <= packet.sequence_number):
-      return True
-    else:
-      return False
-
-  def _process(self, packet):
-    """Process those packets ready to be processed.
-
-    Args:
-      packet: A just-arrived packet the sequence number of which matches this
-        _ReceptionManager's _lowest_unseen_sequence_number field.
-    """
-    while True:
-      completed = self._receiver.receive(packet)
-      if completed:
-        self._out_of_sequence_packets.clear()
-        self._completed_sequence_number = packet.sequence_number
-        self._lowest_unseen_sequence_number = packet.sequence_number + 1
-        return
-      else:
-        next_packet = self._out_of_sequence_packets.pop(
-            packet.sequence_number + 1, None)
-        if next_packet is None:
-          self._lowest_unseen_sequence_number = packet.sequence_number + 1
-          return
-        else:
-          packet = next_packet
-
-  def receive_packet(self, packet):
-    """See _interfaces.ReceptionManager.receive_packet for specification."""
-    with self._lock:
-      if self._aborted:
-        return
-      elif self._sequence_failure(packet):
-        self._receiver.reception_failure()
-        self._aborted = True
-      elif self._receiver.abort_if_abortive(packet):
-        self._aborted = True
-      elif packet.sequence_number == self._lowest_unseen_sequence_number:
-        self._process(packet)
-      else:
-        self._out_of_sequence_packets[packet.sequence_number] = packet
-
-
-def front_reception_manager(
-    lock, termination_manager, transmission_manager, ingestion_manager,
-    expiration_manager):
-  """Creates a _interfaces.ReceptionManager for front-side use.
-
-  Args:
-    lock: The operation-servicing-wide lock object.
-    termination_manager: The operation's _interfaces.TerminationManager.
-    transmission_manager: The operation's _interfaces.TransmissionManager.
-    ingestion_manager: The operation's _interfaces.IngestionManager.
-    expiration_manager: The operation's _interfaces.ExpirationManager.
-
-  Returns:
-    A _interfaces.ReceptionManager appropriate for front-side use.
-  """
-  return _ReceptionManager(
-      lock, _FrontReceiver(
-          termination_manager, transmission_manager, ingestion_manager,
-          expiration_manager))
-
-
-def back_reception_manager(
-    lock, termination_manager, transmission_manager, ingestion_manager,
-    expiration_manager):
-  """Creates a _interfaces.ReceptionManager for back-side use.
-
-  Args:
-    lock: The operation-servicing-wide lock object.
-    termination_manager: The operation's _interfaces.TerminationManager.
-    transmission_manager: The operation's _interfaces.TransmissionManager.
-    ingestion_manager: The operation's _interfaces.IngestionManager.
-    expiration_manager: The operation's _interfaces.ExpirationManager.
-
-  Returns:
-    A _interfaces.ReceptionManager appropriate for back-side use.
-  """
-  return _ReceptionManager(
-      lock, _BackReceiver(
-          termination_manager, transmission_manager, ingestion_manager,
-          expiration_manager))
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/interfaces.py b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/interfaces.py
deleted file mode 100644
index 7c48956..0000000
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/interfaces.py
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,84 +0,0 @@
-# Copyright 2015, Google Inc.
-# All rights reserved.
-#
-# Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without
-# modification, are permitted provided that the following conditions are
-# met:
-#
-#     * Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright
-# notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer.
-#     * Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above
-# copyright notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer
-# in the documentation and/or other materials provided with the
-# distribution.
-#     * Neither the name of Google Inc. nor the names of its
-# contributors may be used to endorse or promote products derived from
-# this software without specific prior written permission.
-#
-# THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND CONTRIBUTORS
-# "AS IS" AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT
-# LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR
-# A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COPYRIGHT
-# OWNER OR CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,
-# SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT
-# LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE,
-# DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY
-# THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT
-# (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE
-# OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
-
-"""Interfaces defined and used by the base layer of RPC Framework."""
-
-import abc
-
-# packets is referenced from specifications in this module.
-from grpc.framework.base import interfaces
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import packets  # pylint: disable=unused-import
-
-
-class ForeLink(object):
-  """Accepts back-to-front tickets and emits front-to-back tickets."""
-  __metaclass__ = abc.ABCMeta
-
-  @abc.abstractmethod
-  def accept_back_to_front_ticket(self, ticket):
-    """Accept a packets.BackToFrontPacket.
-
-    Args:
-      ticket: Any packets.BackToFrontPacket.
-    """
-    raise NotImplementedError()
-
-  @abc.abstractmethod
-  def join_rear_link(self, rear_link):
-    """Mates this object with a peer with which it will exchange tickets."""
-    raise NotImplementedError()
-
-
-class RearLink(object):
-  """Accepts front-to-back tickets and emits back-to-front tickets."""
-  __metaclass__ = abc.ABCMeta
-
-  @abc.abstractmethod
-  def accept_front_to_back_ticket(self, ticket):
-    """Accepts a packets.FrontToBackPacket.
-
-    Args:
-      ticket: Any packets.FrontToBackPacket.
-    """
-    raise NotImplementedError()
-
-  @abc.abstractmethod
-  def join_fore_link(self, fore_link):
-    """Mates this object with a peer with which it will exchange tickets."""
-    raise NotImplementedError()
-
-
-class Front(ForeLink, interfaces.Front):
-  """Clientish objects that operate by sending and receiving tickets."""
-  __metaclass__ = abc.ABCMeta
-
-
-class Back(RearLink, interfaces.Back):
-  """Serverish objects that operate by sending and receiving tickets."""
-  __metaclass__ = abc.ABCMeta
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/packets.py b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/packets.py
deleted file mode 100644
index 1b14048..0000000
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/base/packets/packets.py
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,118 +0,0 @@
-# Copyright 2015, Google Inc.
-# All rights reserved.
-#
-# Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without
-# modification, are permitted provided that the following conditions are
-# met:
-#
-#     * Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright
-# notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer.
-#     * Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above
-# copyright notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer
-# in the documentation and/or other materials provided with the
-# distribution.
-#     * Neither the name of Google Inc. nor the names of its
-# contributors may be used to endorse or promote products derived from
-# this software without specific prior written permission.
-#
-# THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND CONTRIBUTORS
-# "AS IS" AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT
-# LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR
-# A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COPYRIGHT
-# OWNER OR CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,
-# SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT
-# LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE,
-# DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY
-# THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT
-# (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE
-# OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
-
-"""Packets used between fronts and backs."""
-
-import collections
-import enum
-
-# interfaces is referenced from specifications in this module.
-from grpc.framework.base import interfaces  # pylint: disable=unused-import
-
-
-class FrontToBackPacket(
-    collections.namedtuple(
-        'FrontToBackPacket',
-        ['operation_id', 'sequence_number', 'kind', 'name', 'subscription',
-         'trace_id', 'payload', 'timeout'])):
-  """A sum type for all values sent from a front to a back.
-
-  Attributes:
-    operation_id: A unique-with-respect-to-equality hashable object identifying
-      a particular operation.
-    sequence_number: A zero-indexed integer sequence number identifying the
-      packet's place among all the packets sent from front to back for this
-      particular operation. Must be zero if kind is Kind.COMMENCEMENT or
-      Kind.ENTIRE. Must be positive for any other kind.
-    kind: A Kind value describing the overall kind of ticket.
-    name: The name of an operation. Must be present if kind is Kind.COMMENCEMENT
-      or Kind.ENTIRE. Must be None for any other kind.
-    subscription: An interfaces.ServicedSubscription.Kind value describing the
-      interest the front has in packets sent from the back. Must be present if
-      kind is Kind.COMMENCEMENT or Kind.ENTIRE. Must be None for any other kind.
-    trace_id: A uuid.UUID identifying a set of related operations to which this
-      operation belongs. May be None.
-    payload: A customer payload object. Must be present if kind is
-      Kind.CONTINUATION. Must be None if kind is Kind.CANCELLATION. May be None
-      for any other kind.
-    timeout: An optional length of time (measured from the beginning of the
-      operation) to allow for the entire operation. If None, a default value on
-      the back will be used. If present and excessively large, the back may
-      limit the operation to a smaller duration of its choice. May be present
-      for any ticket kind; setting a value on a later ticket allows fronts
-      to request time extensions (or even time reductions!) on in-progress
-      operations.
-  """
-
-  @enum.unique
-  class Kind(enum.Enum):
-    """Identifies the overall kind of a FrontToBackPacket."""
-
-    COMMENCEMENT = 'commencement'
-    CONTINUATION = 'continuation'
-    COMPLETION = 'completion'
-    ENTIRE = 'entire'
-    CANCELLATION = 'cancellation'
-    EXPIRATION = 'expiration'
-    SERVICER_FAILURE = 'servicer failure'
-    SERVICED_FAILURE = 'serviced failure'
-    RECEPTION_FAILURE = 'reception failure'
-    TRANSMISSION_FAILURE = 'transmission failure'
-
-
-class BackToFrontPacket(
-    collections.namedtuple(
-        'BackToFrontPacket',
-        ['operation_id', 'sequence_number', 'kind', 'payload'])):
-  """A sum type for all values sent from a back to a front.
-
-  Attributes:
-    operation_id: A unique-with-respect-to-equality hashable object identifying
-      a particular operation.
-    sequence_number: A zero-indexed integer sequence number identifying the
-      packet's place among all the packets sent from back to front for this
-      particular operation.
-    kind: A Kind value describing the overall kind of ticket.
-    payload: A customer payload object. Must be present if kind is
-      Kind.CONTINUATION. May be None if kind is Kind.COMPLETION. Must be None
-      otherwise.
-  """
-
-  @enum.unique
-  class Kind(enum.Enum):
-    """Identifies the overall kind of a BackToFrontPacket."""
-
-    CONTINUATION = 'continuation'
-    COMPLETION = 'completion'
-    CANCELLATION = 'cancellation'
-    EXPIRATION = 'expiration'
-    SERVICER_FAILURE = 'servicer failure'
-    SERVICED_FAILURE = 'serviced failure'
-    RECEPTION_FAILURE = 'reception failure'
-    TRANSMISSION_FAILURE = 'transmission failure'
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/face/demonstration.py b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/face/demonstration.py
index d922f6e..eabeac4 100644
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/face/demonstration.py
+++ b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/face/demonstration.py
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@
 """Demonstration-suitable implementation of the face layer of RPC Framework."""
 
 from grpc.framework.base import util as _base_util
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import implementations as _tickets_implementations
+from grpc.framework.base import implementations as _base_implementations
 from grpc.framework.face import implementations
 from grpc.framework.foundation import logging_pool
 
@@ -105,9 +105,9 @@
       event_stream_in_stream_out_methods=event_stream_in_stream_out_methods,
       multi_method=multi_method)
 
-  front = _tickets_implementations.front(
+  front = _base_implementations.front_link(
       front_work_pool, front_transmission_pool, front_utility_pool)
-  back = _tickets_implementations.back(
+  back = _base_implementations.back_link(
       servicer, back_work_pool, back_transmission_pool, back_utility_pool,
       default_timeout, _MAXIMUM_TIMEOUT)
   front.join_rear_link(back)
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/face/testing/base_util.py b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/face/testing/base_util.py
index 7872a6b..151d0ef 100644
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/face/testing/base_util.py
+++ b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/face/testing/base_util.py
@@ -33,9 +33,9 @@
 
 # interfaces is referenced from specification in this module.
 from grpc.framework.base import util as _base_util
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import implementations
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import in_memory
-from grpc.framework.base.packets import interfaces  # pylint: disable=unused-import
+from grpc.framework.base import implementations
+from grpc.framework.base import in_memory
+from grpc.framework.base import interfaces  # pylint: disable=unused-import
 from grpc.framework.foundation import logging_pool
 
 _POOL_SIZE_LIMIT = 20
@@ -89,9 +89,9 @@
       back_work_pool, back_transmission_pool, back_utility_pool)
 
   link = in_memory.Link(link_pool)
-  front = implementations.front(
+  front = implementations.front_link(
       front_work_pool, front_transmission_pool, front_utility_pool)
-  back = implementations.back(
+  back = implementations.back_link(
       servicer, back_work_pool, back_transmission_pool, back_utility_pool,
       default_timeout, _MAXIMUM_TIMEOUT)
   front.join_rear_link(link)
diff --git a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/foundation/_logging_pool_test.py b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/foundation/_logging_pool_test.py
index 11463a8..c92cf8c 100644
--- a/src/python/src/grpc/framework/foundation/_logging_pool_test.py
+++ b/src/python/src/grpc/framework/foundation/_logging_pool_test.py
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 # (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE
 # OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
 
-"""Tests for _framework.foundation.logging_pool."""
+"""Tests for grpc.framework.foundation.logging_pool."""
 
 import unittest
 
diff --git a/src/python/src/setup.py b/src/python/src/setup.py
index 7d93aa7..bd70634 100644
--- a/src/python/src/setup.py
+++ b/src/python/src/setup.py
@@ -64,8 +64,8 @@
     'grpc._junkdrawer',
     'grpc.early_adopter',
     'grpc.framework',
+    'grpc.framework.alpha',
     'grpc.framework.base',
-    'grpc.framework.base.packets',
     'grpc.framework.common',
     'grpc.framework.face',
     'grpc.framework.face.testing',
diff --git a/test/compiler/python_plugin_test.py b/test/compiler/python_plugin_test.py
index 9cf3c62..3d2f117 100644
--- a/test/compiler/python_plugin_test.py
+++ b/test/compiler/python_plugin_test.py
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@
 import time
 import unittest
 
-from grpc.early_adopter import exceptions
+from grpc.framework.alpha import exceptions
 from grpc.framework.foundation import future
 
 # Identifiers of entities we expect to find in the generated module.
diff --git a/tools/dockerfile/grpc_python/Dockerfile b/tools/dockerfile/grpc_python/Dockerfile
index fd07e9c..62ef785 100644
--- a/tools/dockerfile/grpc_python/Dockerfile
+++ b/tools/dockerfile/grpc_python/Dockerfile
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@
   && python2.7 -B -m grpc._adapter._lonely_rear_link_test \
   && python2.7 -B -m grpc._adapter._low_test \
   && python2.7 -B -m grpc.early_adopter.implementations_test \
-  && python2.7 -B -m grpc.framework.base.packets.implementations_test \
+  && python2.7 -B -m grpc.framework.base.implementations_test \
   && python2.7 -B -m grpc.framework.face.blocking_invocation_inline_service_test \
   && python2.7 -B -m grpc.framework.face.event_invocation_synchronous_event_service_test \
   && python2.7 -B -m grpc.framework.face.future_invocation_asynchronous_event_service_test \
diff --git a/tools/run_tests/python_tests.json b/tools/run_tests/python_tests.json
index ef483d9..dff0537 100755
--- a/tools/run_tests/python_tests.json
+++ b/tools/run_tests/python_tests.json
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
     "module": "grpc.early_adopter.implementations_test"
   },
   {
-    "module": "grpc.framework.base.packets.implementations_test"
+    "module": "grpc.framework.base.implementations_test"
   },
   {
     "module": "grpc.framework.face.blocking_invocation_inline_service_test"