RFC 1015 (rfc1015) - Page 1 of 24

Implementation plan for interagency research Internet

Network Working Group                                   Barry M. Leiner
Request for Comments:  1015                                       RIACS
                                                              July 1987


         Implementation Plan for Interagency Research Internet

STATUS OF THIS MEMO

    The RFC proposes an Interagency Research Internet as the natural
    outgrowth of the current Internet.  This is an "idea paper" and
    discussion is strongly encouraged.  Distribution of this memo is
    unlimited.

OVERVIEW

    Networking has become widespread in the scientific community, and
    even more so in the computer science community. There are networks
    being supported by a number of the Federal agencies interested in
    scientific research, and many scientists throughout the country have
    access to one or more of these networks. Furthermore, there are many
    resources (such as supercomputers) that are accessible via these
    networks.

    While many of these networks are interconnected on an informal
    basis, there is currently no consistent mechanism to allow sharing
    of the networking resources. Recognizing this problem, the FCCSET
    Committee on Very High Performance Computing formed a Network
    Working Group. This group has recommended an administrative and
    management structure for interconnecting the current and planned
    agency networks supporting research.  The structure is based on the
    concept of a network of networks using standard networking
    protocols.

    This report elaborates on the earlier recommendation and provides an
    implementation plan. It addresses three major areas; communications
    infrastructure, user support, and ongoing research. A management and
    administrative structure is recommended for each area, and a
    budgetary estimate provided.  A phased approach for implementation
    is suggested that will quickly provide interconnection and lead to
    the full performance and functionality as the required technologies
    are developed and installed.  While this report addresses the
    interconnection of agency networks, and cooperation by certain
    federal agencies, some discussion is presented of the possible role
    that industry can play in support and use of such a network.

    Work reported herein was supported by Cooperative Agreement NCC 2-
    387 from the National Aeronautics and Space Adminstration (NASA) to



Leiner