RFC 2194 (rfc2194) - Page 1 of 35
Review of Roaming Implementations
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
Network Working Group B. Aboba
Request for Comments: 2194 Microsoft
Category: Informational J. Lu
AimQuest Corp.
J. Alsop
i-Pass Alliance
J. Ding
Asiainfo
W. Wang
Merit Network, Inc.
September 1997
Review of Roaming Implementations
1. 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.
2. Abstract
This document reviews the design and functionality of existing
roaming implementations. "Roaming capability" may be loosely defined
as the ability to use any one of multiple Internet service providers
(ISPs), while maintaining a formal, customer-vendor relationship with
only one. Examples of cases where roaming capability might be
required include ISP "confederations" and ISP-provided corporate
network access support.
3. Introduction
Considerable interest has arisen recently in a set of features that
fit within the general category of "roaming capability" for Internet
users. Interested parties have included:
Regional Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operating within a
particular state or province, looking to combine their efforts
with those of other regional providers to offer service over a
wider area.
National ISPs wishing to combine their operations with those of
one or more ISPs in another nation to offer more comprehensive
service in a group of countries or on a continent.
Businesses desiring to offer their employees a comprehensive
package of access services on a global basis. Those services may
Aboba, et. al. Informational
