RFC 1173 (rfc1173) - Page 1 of 5

Responsibilities of host and network managers: A summary of the "oral tradition" of the Internet

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Network Working Group                                    J. Van Bokkelen
Request for Comments:  1173                           FTP Software, Inc.
                                                             August 1990


             Responsibilities of Host and Network Managers
           A Summary of the "Oral Tradition" of the Internet

Status of this Memo

   This informational RFC describes the conventions to be followed by
   those in charge of networks and hosts in the Internet.  It is a
   summary of the "oral tradition" of the Internet on this subject.
   [RFC Editor's note:  This memo is a contribution by the author of his
   view of these conventions.  It is expected that this RFC will provide
   a basis for the development of official policies in the future.]
   These conventions may be supplemented or amended by the policies of
   specific local and regional components of the Internet.  This RFC
   does not specify a standard, or a policy of the IAB.  Distribution of
   this memo is unlimited.

Table of Contents

   Status of this Memo .............................................. 1
   1. Basic Responsibilities......................................... 1
   2. Responsibilities of Network Managers........................... 2
   3. Responsibilities of Host System Managers....................... 2
   4. ......................................... 3
   5. Problems and Resolutions....................................... 3
   6. The Illusion of Security....................................... 4
   7. Summary........................................................ 5
   8. Security Considerations........................................ 5
   9. Author's Address............................................... 5

1. Basic Responsibilities

   The Internet is a co-operative endeavor, and its usefulness depends
   on reasonable behaviour from every user, host and router in the
   Internet.  It follows that people in charge of the components of the
   Internet MUST be aware of their responsibilities and attentive to
   local conditions.  Furthermore, they MUST be accessible via both
   Internet mail and telephone, and responsive to problem reports and
   diagnostic initiatives from other participants.

   Even local problems as simple and transient as system crashes or
   power failures may have widespread effects elsewhere in the net.
   Problems which require co-operation between two or more responsible
   individuals to diagnose and correct are relatively common.  Likewise,



Van Bokkelen
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