RFC 1923 (rfc1923) - Page 1 of 3
RIPv1 Applicability Statement for Historic Status
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
Network Working Group J. Halpern
Request for Comments: 1923 Newbridge Networks
Category: Informational S. Bradner
Harvard University
March 1996
RIPv1 Applicability Statement for Historic Status
Status of this Memo
This memo provides information for the Internet community. This memo
does not specify an Internet standard of any kind. Distribution of
this memo is unlimited.
Abstract
RIP Version 1 [RFC-1058] has been declared an historic document.
This Applicability statement provides the supporting motivation for
that declaration. The primary reason, as described below, is the
Classful nature of RIPv1.
1.0 Introduction
RIP version 1 (RIPv1) (as defined by RFC 1058) was one of the first
dynamic routing protocols used in the internet. It was developed as
a technique for passing around network reachability information for
what we now consider relatively simple topologies.
The Internet has changed significantly since RIPv1 was defined,
particularly with the introduction and use of subnets and CIDR.
While RIPv1 is widely used in private networks, it can no longer be
considered applicable for use in the global Internet.
2.0 RIPv1 restrictions
RIPv1 has a number of restrictions and behaviors which restrict its
useability in the global Internet.
2.1 Classfulness
Chief among these is that it is a classful routing protocol. RIP
packets do not carry prefix masks. The prefix length is inferred
from the address. For non-local addresses, the prefix is always the
"natural" (classful) length. (e.g., 24 bits for a "Class C" network
address.) For networks to which a local interface exists, if the
interface is subnetted with some specific mask, then RIPv1 assumes
Halpern & Bradner Informational