RFC 1017 (rfc1017) - Page 2 of 19
Network requirements for scientific research: Internet task force on scientific computing
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
RFC 1017 Requirements for Scientific Research August 1987 which is chartered to investigate advanced networking requirements that result from scientific applications. Work reported herein was supported in part by Cooperative Agreement NCC 2-387 from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to the Universities Space Research Association (USRA). 1. NETWORK FUNCTIONS This section addresses the functions and capabilities that networks and particularly internetworks should be expected to support in the near term future. Near Term Requirements There are many functions that are currently available to subsets of the user community. These functions should be made available to the broad scientific community. User/Resource Connectivity Undoubtedly the first order of business in networking is to provide interconnectivity of users and the resources they need. The goal in the near term for internetworking should be to extend the connectivity as widely as possible, i.e. to provide ubiquitous connectivity among users and between users and resources. Note that the existence of a network path between sites does not necessarily imply interoperability between communities and or resources using non-compatible protocol suites. However, a minimal set of functions should be provided across the entire user community, independent of the protocol suite being used. These typically include electronic mail at a minimum, file transfer and remote login capabilities must also be provided. Home Usage One condition that could enhance current scientific computing would be to extend to the home the same level of network support that the scientist has available in his office environment. As network access becomes increasingly widespread, the extension to the home will allow the user to continue his computing at home without dramatic changes in his work habits, based on limited access. Charging The scientific user should not have to worry about the costs of data communications any more than he worries about voice communications (his office telephone), so that data communications becomes an integral and low-cost part of our national infrastructure. This Leiner
