[comp.protocols.tcp-ip] The end of the DDN NIC as a useful resource?

brian@ucsd.Edu (Brian Kantor) (12/22/90)

DDN Information Bulletin #80 contains:

	RFC 1174 recommended eliminating the distinction between "connected"
	and "unconnected" networks, i.e. between those networks connected to
	the DDN and Internet, and those that are not.  Although the NIC had
	made some procedural changes in order to comply with the
	recommendations of RFC 1174, it is now necessary to reinstate the
	previous IP network number registration polices.  This reinstatement
	of the former methods is taken to provide time for a more thorough
	investigation into the impact and cost of such changes.  In order to
	accomplish this reinstatement, the distinction of "connected" and
	"unconnected" networks must be re-established.  The following changes
	are being made to restablish this distinction:
	
	1. Effective immediately, applicants wishing to obtain IP network
	   numbers must use the application dated 7/90 (later applications will
	   be returned to the applicants with a request for further information).
	   This application is online on the NIC.DDN.MIL host as
	   NETINFO:INTERNET-NUMBER-TEMPLATE.TXT.  Applicants wishing connected
	   status for their networks must identify a government sponsor
	   authorizing their connection.
	
	2. Information regarding unconnected networks and Autonomous System
	   Numbers (ASNs) will no longer be available through WHOIS.
	
	3. The NIC will contact people who registered networks or inverse
	   addressing (IN-ADDR) information from the end of September to the
	   present in order to ascertain their status according to the change
	   in policy.  If such networks are unconnected or do not have
	   government sponsors, their data will no longer be available via
	   WHOIS.
	(more)

Unless I've missed something, this will essentially end the usefulness of
the DDN NIC WHOIS as a network information resource, at least for info about a
significant number of the networks attached to the greater internet.

That is, there will no longer be a single authoritative source of
information.  One will have to consult several places to find out what's
going on, or so it seems.

It also seems as though there will be some impact on the ability to do
DNS PTR lookups.  Can this be true?

What other resources will exist to fill this void?
	- Brian