RFC 1346 (rfc1346) - Page 1 of 6
Resource Allocation, Control, and Accounting for the Use of Network Resources
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
Network Working Group P. Jones
Request for Comments: 1346 Joint Network Team, UK
June 1992
Resource Allocation, Control, and Accounting
for the Use of Network Resources
Status of this Memo
This memo provides information for the Internet community. It does
not specify an Internet standard. Distribution of this memo is
unlimited.
0. MANAGEMENT SUMMARY
This paper gives reasons for wanting better sharing mechanisms for
networks. It concludes that the challenge of sharing network
resources (and for example intercontinental link resources) between
groups of users is neither well understood, nor well catered for in
terms of tools for those responsible for managing the services. The
situation is compared with other fields, both inside and outside IT,
and examples are cited. Recommendations for further work are made.
The purpose of this RFC is to focus discussion on particular
challenges in large service networks in general, and the
International IP Internet in particular. No solution discussed in
this document is intended as a standard. Rather, it is hoped that a
general consensus will emerge as to the appropriate solutions,
leading eventually to the adoption of standards.
The structure of the paper is as follows:
1. Findings
2. Conclusions
3. Recommendations
1. FINDINGS
Issues arising from contention in the use of networks are not
unusual. Once connectivity and reliability have been addressed to a
reasonable level, bandwidth becomes (or appears to become?) the main
issue. Usage appears to have a strong tendency to rise to fill the
resources available (fully in line with the principles of Parkinson's
Law). Line-speed upgrades have an effect, but with no guarantee of
permanently alleviating the problem. Line-speeds are increasing as
technology improves over time, but the variations on matters like
availability and funding are wide, and users remain avaricious.
Jones