RFC 1173 (rfc1173) - Page 1 of 5
Responsibilities of host and network managers: A summary of the "oral tradition" of the Internet
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
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