RFC 1306 (rfc1306) - Page 1 of 10


Experiences Supporting By-Request Circuit-Switched T3 Networks



Alternative Format: Original Text Document



Network Working Group                                       A. Nicholson
Request for Comments: 1306                                      J. Young
                                                     Cray Research, Inc.
                                                              March 1992


     Experiences Supporting By-Request Circuit-Switched T3 Networks

Status of this Memo

   This RFC provides information for the Internet community.  It does
   not specify an Internet standard.  Distribution of this memo is
   unlimited.

Abstract

   This memo describes the experiences of a project team at Cray
   Research, Inc., in implementing support for circuit-switched T3
   services.  While the issues discussed may not be directly relevant to
   the research problems of the Internet, they may be interesting to a
   number of researchers and implementers.

   Developers at Cray Research, Inc. were presented with an opportunity
   to use a circuit-switched T3 network for wide area networking.  They
   devised an architectural model for using this new resource.  This
   involves activating the circuit-switched connection when an
   application program engages in a bulk data transfer, and releasing
   the connection when the transfer is complete.

   Three software implementations for this feature have been tested, and
   the results documented here.  A variety of issues are involved, and
   further research is necessary.  Network users are beginning to
   recognize the value of this service, and are planning to make use of
   by-request circuit-switched networks.  A standard method of access
   will be needed to ensure interoperability among vendors of circuit-
   switched network support products.

Acknowledgements

   The authors thank the T3 project team and other members of the
   Networking Group at Cray Research, Inc., for their efforts: Wayne
   Roiger, Gary Klesk, Joe Golio, John Renwick, Dave Borman and Craig
   Alesso.








Nicholson & Young