RFC 1093 (rfc1093) - Page 1 of 9

NSFNET routing architecture

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Network Working Group                                         H.W. Braun
Request for Comments: 1093                                         Merit
                                                           February 1989


                    The NSFNET Routing Architecture

Status of this Memo

   This document describes the routing architecture for the NSFNET
   centered around the new NSFNET Backbone, with specific emphasis on
   the interface between the backbone and its attached networks.
   Distribution of this memo is unlimited.

Introduction

   This document describes the routing architecture for the NSFNET
   centered around the new NSFNET Backbone, with specific emphasis on
   the interface between the backbone and its attached networks.  It
   reflects and augments thoughts described in [1], discussions during
   the Internet Engineering Task Force meeting at the San Diego
   Supercomputing Center in March 1988, discussions on mailing lists,
   especially on a backbone/regional network working group mailing list,
   and a final discussion held at the IBM T.J. Watson Research Center in
   Yorktown, NY, on the 21st of March 1988.  The Yorktown meeting was
   attended by Hans-Werner Braun (Merit), Scott Brim (Cornell
   University), Mark Fedor (NYSERNet), Jeff Honig (Cornell University),
   and Jacob Rekhter (IBM).  Thanks also to: Milo Medin (NASA), John Moy
   (Proteon) and Greg Satz (Cisco) for discussing this document by email
   and/or phone.

   Understanding of [1] is highly recommended prior to reading this
   document.

1. Routing Overview

   The new NSFNET backbone forms the core of the overall NSFNET, which
   connects to regional networks (or regional backbones) as well as to
   peer networks (other backbones like the NASA Science Network or the
   ARPANET).  The NSFNET core uses a SPF based internal routing
   protocol, adapted from the IS-IS protocol submitted by ANSI for
   standardization to the ISO.  The ANSI IS-IS protocol is based upon
   work done at Digital Equipment Corporation.  Its adaptation to the
   Internet environment requires additional definitions, most notably to
   the addressing structure, which will be described in a later
   document.  This adaptation was largely done by Jacob Rekhter of IBM
   Research in Yorktown, NY. The RCP/PSP routing architecture was
   largely implemented by Rick Boivie and his colleagues at IBM TCS in



Braun
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