Relationship Between A & R Networks And Commercial Networks

Call for Participation

A New RIPE Group:

Relations Between the Research and Academic Networks and the Commercial Networks

Glenn Kowack
glenn@eu.net

European networking is divided between two broad classes of networks: the government-supported academic and research networks and the commercial networks. Each of these types of networks have distinct and occasionally conflicting goals, operational standards, and policies.

In the past, little coordination between these networks has been necessary due to the limited interaction of these two groups. However, the recent growth of IP networking and the arrival of many new commercial networking organizations have started to bring these two type of networks together frequently.

RIPE is forming a group to provide a forum for discussion of relations between the Academic and Research Netorks and the Commercial Networks. It will be a continuing goal of the group to identify, discuss, and recommend solutions to problems when they are small and have not yet inhibited network growth or technical progress.

Policies for possible discussion include:

• Internetwork Efficiency
• Routing
• Operational Coordination
• Economics and Cost-Sharing
• Acceptable Use

The first meeting of this group will take place at the 20-22 January RIPE meeting in Amsterdam. At that time we suggest that the group begin three activities:

First, to draft a preliminary mission statement for this group. We recommend that this mission statement be completed at the following RIPE meeting.

Second, to begin a list of discussion areas and an action plan. We recommend that this list and plan be completed at the summer RIPE meeting.

Third, to review the activity of other groups and persons which can be used as input to this group, and to determine which groups and persons should be informed of this group's activities.

All interested persons and networking organizations are invited to participate.