RFC 954 (rfc954) - Page 1 of 4
NICNAME/WHOIS
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
Network Working Group K. Harrenstien (SRI) Request for Comments: 954 M. Stahl (SRI) Obsoletes: RFC 812 E. Feinler (SRI) October 1985 NICNAME/WHOIS STATUS OF THIS MEMO This RFC is the official specification of the NICNAME/WHOIS protocol. This memo describes the protocol and the service. This is an update of RFC 812. Distribution of this memo is unlimited. INTRODUCTION The NICNAME/WHOIS Server is a TCP transaction based query/response server, running on the SRI-NIC machine (26.0.0.73 or 10.0.0.51), that provides netwide directory service to internet users. It is one of a series of internet name services maintained by the DDN Network Information Center (NIC) at SRI International on behalf of the Defense Communications Agency (DCA). The server is accessible across the Internet from user programs running on local hosts, and it delivers the full name, U.S. mailing address, telephone number, and network mailbox for DDN users who are registered in the NIC database. This server, together with the corresponding WHOIS Database can also deliver online look-up of individuals or their online mailboxes, network organizations, DDN nodes and associated hosts, and TAC telephone numbers. The service is designed to be user-friendly and the information is delivered in human-readable format. DCA strongly encourages network hosts to provide their users with access to this network service. WHO SHOULD BE IN THE DATABASE DCA requests that each individual with a directory on an ARPANET or MILNET host, who is capable of passing traffic across the DoD Internet, be registered in the NIC WHOIS Database. MILNET TAC users must be registered in the database. To register, send via electronic mail to REGISTRAR@SRI-NIC.ARPA your full name, middle initial, U.S. mailing address (including mail stop and full explanation of abbreviations and acronyms), ZIP code, telephone (including Autovon and FTS, if available), and one network mailbox. Contact the DDN Network Information Center, REGISTRAR@SRI-NIC.ARPA or (800) 235-3155, for assistance with registration. Harrenstien & Stahl & Feinler



