RFC 1015 (rfc1015) - Page 2 of 24
Implementation plan for interagency research Internet
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
RFC 1015 IRI Plan July 1987 the Universities Space Research Association (USRA). This report was prepared in response to a request from John Cavallini, Chairman of the Networking Working Group of the FCCSET Committee on Very High Performance Computing. INTRODUCTION Computer networks are critical in providing scientists access to computing resources (such as supercomputers) and permitting computer supported interaction between researchers. Several agencies, recognizing this need, have established networks to provide the needed communications infrastructure. The need for this infrastructure, though, cuts across the various agencies. To that end, the FCCSET Committee on Very High Performance Computing Network Working Group has recommended the formation of an Interagency Research Internet (IRI) [1]. The purpose of this report is to suggest an implementation plan for such an IRI. 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. Finally, some discussion is presented on a possible role for industry in supporting and using such a network. Motivation The prime responsibility for providing the required infrastructure for successful research lies with the researcher, his/her institution, and the agency supporting that research. Thus, the individual agencies have installed and are continuing to enhance computer networks to allow their researchers to access advanced computing resources such as supercomputers as well as being able to communicate with each other via such facilities as electronic mail. However, there are a number of reasons why it is advantageous to interconnect the various agency networks in a coherent manner so as to provide a common "virtual" network supporting research. The need to make effective use of available networks without unnecessary duplication. The agencies each support researchers in many parts of the country, and have installed equally widespread resources. Often, it is more effective for a scientist to be provided networking service through a different agency network than the one funding his research. For example, suppose several scientists at an institution are already being funded by NASA and Leiner
