RFC 861 (rfc861) - Page 2 of 2
Telnet Extended Options: List Option
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
RFC 861 May 1983
Negotiation of options on the "Extended Options List" is not
permitted.
4. Motivation for the Option
Eventually, a 257th TELNET option will be needed. This option will
extend the option list for another 256 options in a manner which is
easy to implement. The option is proposed now, rather than later
(probably much later), in order to reserve the option number (255).
5. An Abstract Description of the Option
The EXOPL option has five subcommand codes: WILL, WON'T, DO, DON'T,
and SB. They have exactly the same meanings as the TELNET commands
with the same names, and are used in exactly the same way. For
consistency, these subcommand codes will have the same values as the
TELNET command codes (250-254). Thus, the format for negotiating a
specific option on the "Extended Options List" (once both parties
have agreed to use it) is:
IAC SB EXOPL DO/DON'T/WILL/WON'T/