[ netinfo/hostserver-instructions.txt ] [ 5/90 VN] The NIC Internet Hostname Server is a TCP-based host information program and protocol running on the NIC.DDN.MIL machine. The function of this particular server is to deliver machine-readable name/address information describing the networks, gateways, hosts, and domains within the internet environment. Basic use of the NIC Hostname Server is documented in RFC 953, which is available via FTP from NIC.DDN.MIL as the file RFC:RFC953.TXT. To access this server from a program, establish a TCP connection to port 101 (decimal) at the service host, NIC.DDN.MIL (192.67.67.20). Send the information request (a single line), and read the resulting response. The connection is closed by the server upon completion of the response, so only one request can be made for each connection. For example: From Remote Host: telnet NIC.DDN.MIL 101 haddr 192.67.67.20 SRI-NIC response: HOST : 192.67.67.20 : NIC.DDN.MIL : DEC-2060 : TCP/TELNET, TCP/SMTP, TCP/TIME, TCP/FTP, TCP/ECHO, ICMP, UDP/TIME, UDP/DOMAIN, TCP/FINGER: Connection closed by foreign host The currently supported keywords are: Keyword Response ------- -------- HELP This info VERSION "VERSION: " where will be different for each version of the host table. HNAME One or more matching host table entries. HADDR One or more matching host table entries. ALL The entire host table. ALL-Z The entire host table in Unix COMPRESS format. ALL-MIL A host table of MILNET sites only. DOMAINS The entire top-level domain table (domains only). ALL-DOM Both the entire domain table and the host table. ALL-NETS Just the NETWORK section of the host table. The server accepts only a single command line and returns only a single response before closing the connection. HNAME and HADDR are useful for looking up a specific host by name or address; VERSION can be used by automated processes to see whether a "new" version of the host table exists without having to transfer the whole table. Note, however, that the returned version string is only guaranteed to be unique to each version, and nothing should currently be assumed about its format. PLEASE NOTE: the Official DoD Internet Host Table is updated twice a week. HNAME or HADDR may return information that is not yet incorporated into the latest host table. Use VERSION number instead to verify whether you have the latest host table information. Problems, complaints, or suggestions should be sent via electronic mail to HOSTMASTER@NIC.DDN.MIL.