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Aucbvax.2870 fa.unix-wizards utzoo!decvax!ucbvax!unix-wizards Mon Aug 31 13:07:26 1981 Re: Local Arpa/Uucp Net Gates >From mike.bmd70@BRL Mon Aug 31 13:02:59 1981 In-Response-To: A Letter From Art Feather (pur-ee!aef)

Art - There are probably quite a lot of sites which could potentially offer UUCP to ArpaNet gateway services. My advice to them, however, is WATCH OUT. There is more to this than meets the eye. It would seem that there is a moderately involved proceedure to get an external-access gateway like UUCP to be authorized by DCA (Defense Communications Agency). As I understand it, the reasoning goes something like this:

In order to prevent TelCo, common carriers, and the Post Office from getting all bent out of shape, the ArpaNet is only allowed to carry US Government traffic, and is "For Official Use Only". Because random-UUCP- site-X has no Government affiliation, they are not permitted to use the ArpaNet, even if that usgae would be (arguably) beneficial to the Government.

We (BRL) once hinted that we might offer such a gateway, and somebody screamed to our Headquarters in Washington DC, and the folks down there just about bust a gut, after which they came after us with swords (pens?) drawn.

People who are trying to set up such services are well advised to go the official route, and talk to their ArpaNet Liason and to DCA before doing anything.

One alternate route that is quite viable is the CSNET project being run out of UDel. In Phase I, which is just starting (about to start?), a DCA approved mail relay (MMDF -- Multi Channel Memo Distribution Facility) will be permitted to relay mail to/from authorized CSNET sites. I strongly urge people to become affiliated with this, as CSNET seems to have the necessary blessings to make political problems go away. Point of contact for more info is

Prof. Dave Farber

Networking Forever! -Mike

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