[comp.protocols.tcp-ip] Forming a new IETF Working Group for an SNMP Terminal MIB

stewart@xyplex.com (Bob Stewart) (07/07/90)

Hi,

    This is to attempt the creation of an IETF working group (WG) to define an 
experimental MIB for character-oriented terminal devices.  See the attached
proposed, preliminary WG charter for more information.  It contains a very
aggressive schedule to be kicked off with an organizational meeting in
Vancouver.

The mailing list is new and may not be in working order until Monday, so go
easy on our helpful friends at Digital.

	Bob Stewart
	Proposed Chair, IETF Character MIB WG

--------
Character MIB Working Group

Chairman:

	Bob Stewart/Xyplex  rlstewart@eng.xyplex.com

First Meeting:

	August, 1990

Mailing Lists:

	General discussion:  char-mib@decwrl.dec.com
	To subscribe:        char-mib-request@decwrl.dec.com

Description of Working Group:

    The Character MIB working group is chartered to define an experimental
MIB for character stream ports that attach to such devices as terminals and
printers.

    The working group must first decide what it covers and what terminology to 
use.  The initial thought was to handle terminals for terminal servers.  This 
directly generalizes to terminals on any host.  From there, it is a relatively 
close step to include printers, both serial and parallel.  It also seems 
reasonable to go beyond ASCII terminals and include others, such as 3270.  All 
of this results in the suggestion that the topic is character stream ports.

    An important model to define is how character ports relate to network 
interfaces.  Some (a minority) terminal ports can easily become network 
interfaces by running SLIP, and may slip between those states.

    Given the basic models, the group must select a set of common objects of 
interest and use to a network manager responsible for character devices 

    Since the goal is an experimental MIB, it may be possible to agree on a 
document in 3 to 9 months.  Most of the group's business can be conducted over 
the Internet through email.

Goals and Milestones:

1.  July 1990:  mailing list discussion of charter and collection of concerns.

2.  August 1990: First IETF Meeting: discussion and final approval of charter;
    discussion and agreement on models and terminology.  Make writing 
    assignments.

3.  November 1990:  First draft document, discussion, additional drafts,
    special meeting?

4.  December 1990:  Second IETF Meeting:  review latest draft and if OK,
    give to IESG for publication as RFC.