RFC462

Network Working Group Jean Iseli (MITRE) RFC # 462 Dave Crocker (UCLA-NMC) NIC # 14434 February 22, 1973

                    Responding to User Needs

INTRODUCTION

The ARPANET is currently undergoing a transition to an environment in which network resources will be made available to a larger user base. This emergent user base already contains a significant number of terminal users not associated with a server site. Information relative to network host services and access characteristics is needed to encourage and assist new users.

To date, the Resources Notebook has been the primary outlet for efforts to provide users with Network-wide information. A separate RFC, from the NIC, discusses the past and current history more completely. In this RFC, we would like to second the NIC's suggestion for the formation of a Working Group concerned with User Information and Services, and we would like to offer a specific suggestion for consideration at the NIC's proposed meeting.

PROPOSAL

Many of the problems associated with the lack of adequate Network information are caused by the many compilation steps. Too many resources (most of them human) are required. In addition to delay, errors are introduced. Part of the solution is to place the acquisition of basic information closer to the source and make the source responsible for the acquisition and maintenance.

The "source" is distributed around the Network and, therefore, the
proposal is to develop and implement a distributed and extensible
network data-base which contains the desired information.  This
would require each server site to create and maintain an information
file locally and/or at the NIC. As a further (more down stream)
step, a mechanism to access these files could be specified and
implemented.

    People at different sites would thereby be able to use the tools
    most comfortable and accessible to them.

    An interesting technical issue involves making the disparate
    files accessible by an automaton.  The NIC is currently
    attempting to smooth out the interface between NLS and non-NLS
    files, and this seems like a reasonable object for such efforts.

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