[1863] in Commercialization & Privatization of the Internet
Re: Farnet recommendations
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (breeden@farnet.org)
Fri Jan 3 17:15:49 1992
Date: Fri, 3 Jan 92 17:14:35 EST
To: alison@oar.net
From: breeden@farnet.org
Cc: com-priv@psi.com
I hesitate to send lengthy messages to this list because I know it is a
large one. However, it may be useful to summarize the FARNET
recommendations as Alison suggested, and it's easy to do. For those who
want to read the full version (10 pp.), you can ftp it from farnet.org,
directory farnet_docs. Write to me if you do not have ftp access to the
Internet, and I will send you a copy.
These are recommendations from the FARNET Board of Directors to the DNCRI
at
the National Science Foundation. Our purpose was to advise NSF on issues
related to "backbone" connectivity in the post-1992 time frame, when the
current agreement between MERIT, the State of Michigan, and NSF will
expire.
I will refrain from editorializing except to say that these recommendations
reflect an awareness on the part of FARNET's members that things are moving
at a fast clip in the Internet world, and that we need to move with them.
1. The multi-tier model for providing network services is valid and should
be preserved.
2. Strong NSF support for top-level backbone services must continue.
3. As the agency responsible for NREN facilities coordination and
deployment under the HPCC plan, NSF must assume a strong management role
vis a vis the core of the NREN, which presumably will evolve from the
current NSFNET.
4. The operation of the backbone network should be recompeted in the GFY92
timeframe with multiple awardees.
5. NSF should ensure that new technology is deployed in the backbone very
carefully, to protect the quality of service to the end-user.
6. Midlevel networks should be able to exercise choice among vendors of
top-level backbone services.
7. The backbone awardees shoul not be able to take advantage of their
position to inhibit competition or to compete unfairly.
8. Provider accountability for performance should be ensured through the
NSF award process.
9. NSF should take a leadership role in developing mechanisms to permit
commercial traffic to be carried on the Interim NREN.
10. NSF should explore the feasibility of connecting midlevel networks
using a FIX or CIX model as an alternative to a traditional backbone.
Direct inter-regional links may also be desirable when such direct links
reduce costs and/or improve reliability.
11. NSF hsould support the development of software tools for end-user
applications and network management and operations.
12. NSF should issue a new soliciation aimed at midlevel and campus
providers, with award criteria based on policy goals such as improving the
ease of use of the network and leveraging private and non-Federal public
funds.
Laura Breeden
FARNET
