WWB.TYM@OFFICE-1.ARPA (Bill Barns) (01/21/88)
We might want to set up an IP net along the following lines. Money will be tight at first, but maybe will grow (with usage). For the configuration I am now envisioning, a gateway box with the following characteristics would seem to be in order. I would like to hear any information on which of the gateway gadgets on the market can do most or all of the below listed things in a reasonable fashion. Opinions on the relative merits of vendor's implementations, support, etc., would also be of interest. Description: This box should be an IP Gateway (Router) capable of interfacing to: (1) ARPANET or MILNET PSN using both 1822DH and DDN X.25 style interfaces. [There is an issue of port availability which may require DH initially. X.25 is ultimately desired. Naturally we would not want to have to buy different boxes at that point.] (2) Ethernet. 1 initially, possibly 2. (3) Another of its own kind at a very distant point, preferably via an assortment of leased line types such as 9.6 voice grade modem, 50kb analog, 56kb DDS, whatever the demand eventually warrants. It is probable that a large proportion of the IP traffic will cross this wire!! (4) Public data network such as TYMNET, for the purpose of performing function (3). This is not indispensable but would be very nice to have, e.g., have permanent VC through the PDN to connect the 2 (or possibly more) geographically separate gateway boxes. There is a chance that help with certification can be arranged if someone thinks they have the code but hasn't gotten to certification yet. Of course, in return for help we would expect concessions. Beyond the link interface requirements, all the obvious protocol requirements for an IP gateway apply. Support for DECNET would be nice to have. The product as a whole must be supported by the vendor, i.e., we want somebody else to fix bugs and deal with evolution of the protocol world. I am in rather a hurry to get at least some generalities together for the end users. I know who some of the potential vendors would be, but probably not all, and in some cases the descriptive info I have just isn't very clear. Thus I would be appreciative of any definite statements or educated guesses about who can actually deliver such a thing. Proteon, cisco Systems, and probably Sun seem to be in the ballpark. There are hints that Ford Aerospace and possibly Bridge may have something. If there's anyone else I should talk to, let me know who and where. Please reply directly. I will summarize to net if requested. Thanks in advance for all information and assistance. Bill Barns ARPA: WWB.TYM@OFFICE-1.ARPA