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- NET-8.TXT
- NETWORK UNITY
- -------------
-
- The preceeding has touched on ways to make the present network perform more
- efficiently. Again, the advantage of our existing simplex network is that it's
- simple and inexpensive to put into place. Its disadvantage is it is incapable
- of handling all of today's user applications.
-
- Packet network traffic growth has increased substantially during the past few
- years. The BBS forwarding network has been fine-tuned to the point where
- delivery of trans-continental messages has become routine rather than the
- exception. TCP/IP has burst upon the network scene and may possibly play
- a worthwhile role in networking sometime in the future. DXPacket Cluster
- operation over the network is now commonplace. There has been talk of even
- more advanced network loading applications involving digitized audio and video.
-
- Previous installments in this series has dwealt on the need for users and
- servers alike to practice "packet conservation". It is important we place
- close emphasis in this area as we need to develope a general concensus on
- network discipline. It would seem folly to spend a considerable amount of time
- and money to upgrade the networks, only to see poor operating practices clog up
- the new system!
-
- Indeed, once NodeOps and system developers see there is a concerned effort to
- educate users and servers alike on intelligent use of this resource, very
- likely there will be more interest in upgrading the systems. Each of us
- can further this process by advising newcomers on what type of practices are
- acceptable. This should be done in the manner of a friendly Elmer, rather than
- as a traffic cop.
-
- Since BBS operation is to packet like apple pie is to America, the local BBS
- can be the focal point for education and training of packet newcomers. If
- new users were directed by the BBS to review carefully composed files placed
- in an "operating practice" directory, it would go a long ways toward giving
- the basic training required to help the networks operate more effectively.
-
- If packet growth is to be furthered, it's desirable that local assocations be
- formed which includes network servers and users. It's not necessary these
- associations be formalized, but communication within the group is important
- and should be encouraged. Too often are seen examples of a special interest
- segment going off by themselves and generally ignoring the rest of the packet
- community. This action tends to result in poor public relations and some-
- times open hostility.
-