RFC 136 (rfc136) - Page 2 of 4
Host accounting and administrative procedures
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
RFC 136 Host Accounting and Administrative Procedures 29 April 1971
Assumptions Regarding the Network
I have made several assumptions in this presentation that should
simplify and, hopefully, clarify the framework in which the
accounting issues reside. Any one of these assumptions may be
subject to challenge.
1. Subnet Considerations
1.1 That some entity, government or private, will undertake to
operate the subnet and will act as a cost center for the
subnet.
1.2 That the total cost of operating the subnet (equipment,
development, maintenance, service and other administrative
costs) will be assumed by the cost center which will be
reimbursed by the Host sites or directly by ARPA on both a
connect and usage basis.
1.3 That the subnet will be initially operated as part of a
private government-sponsored resource-sharing network for the
use of its participants in obtaining computer services and not
as a common carrier for the sale of communication services.
1.4 That both ARPA and non-ARPA supported contractors will
eventually be allowed to connect. The use of the subnet may
be administered to support resource-sharing activities.
2. Host Considerations
2.1 That each serving Host will make arrangements for use of its
facilities and arrange to obtain payment either from its own
ARPA contract, directly from the using Host, or from the using
Host via an intermediate mechanism.
2.2 That each prospective Host site will make available (in some
way to be designated) figures on cost of usage for relevant
facilities such as cpu, storage, connect time, peripherals,
etc. It will further indicate, where appropriate, the status
of equipment (such as government-furnished, leased, or
privately owned) and whether the rates are in accord with
government standards.
2.3 That the implementation of standard automated accounting
procedures involving the use of the Network will be deferred
until non-automated procedures have been understood and
stabilized. Early experimentation in this area is
appropriate, however.
Kahn