RFC 1838 (rfc1838) - Page 1 of 8

Use of the X

Network Working Group                                           S. Kille
Request for Comments: 1838                              ISODE Consortium
Category: Experimental                                       August 1995


      Use of the X.500 Directory to support mapping between X.400
                         and RFC 822 Addresses

Status of this Memo

   This memo defines an Experimental Protocol for the Internet
   community.  This memo does not specify an Internet standard of any
   kind.  Discussion and suggestions for improvement are requested.
   Distribution of this memo is unlimited.

Abstract

   This document defines how to use directory to support the mapping
   between X.400 O/R Addresses and mailboxes defined in RFC 1327 [2].

1.  X.400/RFC 822 Mappings

   RFC 1327 defines an algorithm for maintaining a global mapping
   between X.400 and RFC 822 addresses directory [2].  RFC 1327 also
   defines a table based mechanism for maintaining this mapping.  There
   is substantial benefit to maintaining this mapping within the
   directory.  In particular, this will lead to an approach for managing
   the mapping which is both distributed and scalable.

   Mechanisms for representing O/R Address and Domain hierarchies within
   the DIT are defined in [1, 5].  These techniques are used to define
   two independent subtrees in the DIT, which contain the mapping
   information.  The benefits of this approach are:

   1.  The mapping information is kept in a clearly defined area which
       can be widely replicated in an efficient manner.  The tree is
       constrained to hold only information needed to support the
       mapping.  This is important as gateways need good access to the
       entire mapping.

   2.  It facilitates migration from the currently deployed table-based
       approach.

   3.  It handles the issues of "missing components" in a natural
       manner.






Kille                         Experimental