[ PROTOCOLS:OSDIR-1.TXT ] [ OJ, 5/86 ] THE UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE WASHINGTON, D.C. 20301 23 December 1978 MEMORANDUM FOR SECRETARY OF THE ARMY SECRETARY OF THE NAVY SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE CHAIRMAN, JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF DIRECTOR, DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY DIRECTOR, DEFENSE COMMUNICATIONS AGENCY DIRECTOR, DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE AGENCY DIRECTOR, DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY DIRECTOR, NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY SUBJECT: Host-to-Host Protocols for Data Communications Networks A number of data communications networks are operating or under development within DoD, without adequate provisions for interoperability. AUTODIN II is expected to become operational during FY 1980, to provide common-user data communications service for DoD computer systems and permit a reduction in the number of specialized data networks. Plans are under way to incorporate within AUTODIN II networks such as the WWMCCS Intercomputer Network (WIN), Intelligence Data Handling System Communications (IDHSC) and the SAC Digital Network (SACDIN), among others. Local networks such as the Community On-Line Intelligence Network System (COINS) and certain tactical networks must have effective AUTODIN II interfaces. AUTODIN II will provide connectivity for a wide range of systems, but the potential for information exchange beyond narrowly defined communities will be limited without appropriate standards for internet, host-to-host, terminal-to-host and other protocols. As the need to exchange information across network boundaries increases, lack of common protocol standards will become a formidable barrier to interoperability. Techniques in which the protocols on one network are translated into the protocols of another will become increasingly unworkable as the number of protocols and networks requiring interoperation increases. To insure interoperability of future data networking, I am directing the adoption of a set of DoD standard host-to-host protocols based on the Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocols (TCP/IP version 4) developed in the DARPA/DCA internetwork community. DoD requirements for precedence, security, and community of interest controls will be incorporated within the standard protocol set. Use of these protocols will be mandatory for all packet-oriented data networks where there is a potential for host-to-host connectivity across network or subnetwork boundaries. Case-by-case exceptions will be granted only for networks that can be shown to have no future requirements for interoperability. Because the host-to-host protocol being developed for AUTODIN II evolved from an early version of TCP and is unsuitable for internetwork operation, the AUTODIN II TCP will have to be upgraded to the standard protocol set. Recognizing that there may be cost and schedule impacts on the AUTODIN II program, the Defense Communications Agency should perform a cost tradeoff analysis to determine the optimum time for this transition. DCA should provide the results of this analysis by April 1979. To address these and future protocol issues and promulgate appropriate standards, I am forming an OSD Protocol Standards Working Group chaired by the Director, Information Systems. I ask each addressee to nominate a representative. Names should be provided by January 8 1979 to LTC Wilcox (695-3287). The first task of this group will be to finalize details of the standard host-to-host protocol set. Draft specifications for these protocols will be available in January 1979. Final specifications should be distributed by April 1979 following review by the working group and testing by DCA and DARPA. At that time, I expect to promulgate these standards and set dates for their adoption. The Defense Communications Agency is designated as DoD Executive Agent for computer communications protocols and will manage the implementation and development and evolution of standard host-to-host protocols, as designated by the Protocol Standards Working Group. The DCA will forward to this office within 120 days a management plan for carrying out this role. Gerrald P. Dinneen Principal Deputy