RFC 1560 (rfc1560) - Page 1 of 7
The MultiProtocol Internet
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
Network Working Group B. Leiner
Request for Comments: 1560 USRA
Category: Informational Y. Rekhter
IBM
December 1993
The MultiProtocol Internet
Status of this Memo
This memo provides information for the Internet community. This memo
does not specify an Internet standard of any kind. Distribution of
this memo is unlimited.
Abstract
This document was prepared by the authors on behalf of the Internet
Architecture Board (IAB). It is offered by the IAB to stimulate
discussion.
There has recently been considerable discussion on two topics:
MultiProtocol approaches in the Internet and the selection of a next
generation Internet Protocol. This document suggests a strawman
position for goals and approaches for the IETF/IESG/IAB in these
areas. It takes the view that these two topics are related, and
proposes directions for the IETF/IESG/IAB to pursue.
In particular, it recommends that the IETF/IESG/IAB should continue
to be a force for consensus on a single protocol suite and internet
layer protocol. The IETF/IESG/IAB should:
- maintain its focus on the TCP/IP protocol suite,
- work to select a single next-generation internet protocol and
develop mechanisms to aid in transition from the current IPv4,
and
- continue to explore mechanisms to interoperate and share
resources with other protocol suites within the Internet.
1. Introduction
The major purpose of the Internet is to enable ubiquitous
communication services between endpoints. In a very real way, the
Internet IS inter-enterprise networking. Therefore, the issue of
multiprotocol Internet is not just the issue of multiple network
layers, but the issue of multiple comparable services implemented
Internet Architecture Board
