[comp.protocols.tcp-ip] Point-to-Point links

braden@VENERA.ISI.EDU (06/09/88)

	
		Here's an example from Proteon.  Proteon added the feature of
	NOT using IP subnets on serial links to Rel 7.4 (circa last summer).
	Prior to 7.4 you HAD to use a subnet.  What do you give up?  Here's
	what Proteon said in the 7.4 release notes:
	
		o  can't ping the interface
		o  cannot run EGP over the interface
		o  cannot boot from that interface (serial line boot added rel 8.0)
	
		The problem with omitting an IP subnetted address from a
	serial interface has to do with identifying that interface.  Proteon
	says that "for routing decisions, such a serial line [no IP addr] is
	considered to be a part of each subnetted network present in the
	gateway." 
	
		Of course, the big lose with IP addresses is "wasting" all
	those two node subnets.
	
		Use addresses for finer control.  Don't use them if you don't
	have subnets to "waste".  However, you should design the option in for
	your customers.
	
		Kent England, Boston U
	
	
I would have thought that the Network Monitoring protocol used to 
monitor and control the gateway would require, or at least want, an
IP address for every gateway interface.  What does Proteon do about this
problem... or is it just a customer's problem?

Bob Braden