RFC 2972 (rfc2972) - Page 1 of 11
Context and Goals for Common Name Resolution
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
Network Working Group N. Popp
Request for Comments: 2972 RealNames Corporation
Category: Informational M. Mealling
Network Solutions
L. Masinter
AT&T Labs
K. Sollins
MIT
October 2000
Context and Goals for Common Name Resolution
Status of this Memo
This memo provides information for the Internet community. It does
not specify an Internet standard of any kind. Distribution of this
memo is unlimited.
Copyright Notice
Copyright (C) The Internet Society (2000). All Rights Reserved.
Abstract
This document establishes the context and goals for a Common Name
Resolution Protocol. It defines the terminology used concerning a
"Common Name" and how one might be "resolved", and establishes the
distinction between "resolution" and more elaborate search
mechanisms. It establishes some expected contexts for use of Common
Name Resolution, and the criteria for evaluating a successful
protocol. It also analyzes the various motivations that would cause
services to provide Common Name resolution for both public, private
and commercial use.
This document is intended as input to the formation of a Common Name
Resolution Protocol working group. Please send any comments to
. To review the mail archives, see
1. Introduction
People often refer to things in the real world by a common name or
phrase, e.g., a trade name, company name, or a book title. These
names are sometimes easier for people to remember and enter than
URLs; many people consider URLs hard to remember or type.
Furthermore, because of the limited syntax of URLs, companies and
individuals are finding that the ones that might be most reasonable
Popp, et al. Informational