RFC 855 (rfc855) - Page 2 of 3
Telnet Option Specifications
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
RFC 855 May 1983 "subnegotiation" is required, there may be a larger number of possible commands. The concept of "subnegotiation" is described in more detail below. Section 3 - Default Specification The default assumptions for hosts which do not implement, or use, the option must be described. Section 4 - Motivation A detailed explanation of the motivation for inventing a particular option, or for choosing a particular form for the option, is extremely helpful to those who are not faced (or don't realize that they are faced) by the problem that the option is designed to solve. Section 5 - Description (or Implementation Rules) Merely defining the command meanings and providing a statement of motivation are not always sufficient to insure that two implementations of an option will be able to communicate. Therefore, a more complete description should be furnished in most cases. This description might take the form of text, a sample implementation, hints to implementers, etc. A Note on "Subnegotiation" Some options will require more information to be passed between hosts than a single option code. For example, any option which requires a parameter is such a case. The strategy to be used consists of two steps: first, both parties agree to "discuss" the parameter(s) and, second, the "discussion" takes place. The first step, agreeing to discuss the parameters, takes place in the normal manner; one party proposes use of the option by sending a DO (or WILL) followed by the option code, and the other party accepts by returning a WILL (or DO) followed by the option code. Once both parties have agreed to use the option, subnegotiation takes place by using the command SB, followed by the option code, followed by the parameter(s), followed by the command SE. Each party is presumed to be able to parse the parameter(s), since each has indicated that the option is supported (via the initial exchange of WILL and DO). On the other hand, the receiver may locate the end of a parameter string by searching for the SE command (i.e., the string IAC SE), even if the receiver is unable to parse the parameters. Of course, either party may refuse to pursue further subnegotiation at any time by sending a WON'T or DON'T to the other party. Postel & Reynolds
