RFC 241 (rfc241) - Page 2 of 2
Connecting computers to MLC ports
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
RFC # 241
used on the IMP/IMP circuits, and that attempts to use minimal error
control (e.g., character parity) is an undesirable technical choice.
Strong error control, with its retransmission scheme, not only would
imply significant changes in the Terminal IMP, but a non-trivial
hardware/software implementation at the remote computer end of the
circuit.
(2) Because the Terminal IMP has many obligations, the share of
its bandwidth which can be given to a Host coming in over the MLC
will be small.
(3) The command language provided at a port of the Multi- Line
Controller was designed with terminals and people in mind. It
provides very few of the capabilities which a computer requires in
order to effectively utilize the communication network. For example,
only a single pair of connections can be made from a given Terminal
TMP port; Host computers generally desire a larger number of
simultaneous connections to other Hosts on the network. Assuming the
present Host/Host protocols, such a Host could not conveniently act
as a server.
If, despite these potential difficulties, connection of a
computer to the network through an MLC port appears to be useful, BBN
has no objection. In fact, we would be extremely interested in
hearing about actual experience with this type of network connection.
AMcK:jm
[ This RFC was put into machine readable form for entry ]
[ into the online RFC archives by BBN Corp. under the ]
[ direction of Alex McKenzie. 12/96 ]