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1999-05-02
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=====================================
== Zone 1 Backbone ==
== Service Level Agreement ==
=====================================
SLA_9905.Z1B - May 99
=========================
Table of Contents
===================
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Purpose of this Document
1.2 Definitions
1.3 Service Level Agreement
1.4 Z1B Relationship to FidoNet
1.5 Changes to this Document
2.0 Z1B Administration
2.1 Voting
2.2 Selection of Z1B Hubs
2.3 Selection of the Z1BC
2.4 Administrative Areas
3.0 Moderators
3.1 Moderator Identification
3.2 Moderator Responsibilities
3.3 Moderator Tools
3.4 Echo Addition
3.5 Echo Removal
3.6 Echo Name Change
4.0 Standard Operating Procedures
4.1 Technical Standards
4.2 Gateways
4.3 Encrypted Messages
4.4 Encoded Files in Echoes
4.5 Illegal Activities
4.6 Censorship of Messages
4.7 Anonymous Remailers
4.8 Emergency Plans
(Items noted by the "|" are changes from the previous version.)
1.0 Introduction
===================
1.1 Purpose of this Document
-------------------------------
This Service Level Agreement has been assembled as a means to provide
information about the Zone 1 Backbone, how it operates, what it offers,
what it expects in return, and to provide insight as to its internal
administration.
This document is updated as circumstances and practices change. Please
ensure that you are referencing a current edition.
1.2 Definitions
------------------
Zone 1 Backbone - A group of volunteer FidoNet hubs who help distribute
echomail and routed netmail in FidoNet Zone 1 (North America).
The structure is customarily recognized as a set of tiers with the
intention of distributing echomail in an accurate and expeditious
manner. Hereafter in this document the Zone 1 Backbone is
referred to simply as the Z1B.
Echo or Conference - An echomail conference is a message base or forum,
distributed under a specified echomail conference name or tag,
dealing with a defined area of interest. Hereafter in this
document echomail conferences are referred to simply as echoes.
Zone 1 Backbone Hub - A hub who helps to distribute mail within the Zone 1
Backbone. Tier 1 Z1B Hubs, also known as ZHubs or Stars,
distribute mail at the zone level. They are fully meshed with
each other for speed and reliability. Tier 2 Z1B Hubs, also known
as RHubs, distribute mail at the region level. Tier 3 Z1B Hubs
distribute mail at the net level.
Zone 1 Backbone Coordinator (Z1BC) - Person responsible for the day-to-day
operation of the Zone 1 Backbone. He coordinates routing to
ensure reliable and efficient transport of echomail and Z1B-routed
netmail while avoiding creation of duplicate messages. He also
serves as liaison to the ZEC and to other distribution systems.
Echomail Coordinators (ECs) - Echomail Coordinators have been recognized
by Fidonet since 1987. The Zone Echomail Coordinator (ZEC)
functions at the zone level. Region Echomail Coordinators (RECs)
function at the region level. Net Echomail Coordinators (NECs)
function at the net level.
BACKBONE.Z1B - A text file listing all echoes, and their descriptions,
which are presently distributed by the Zone 1 Backbone. This text
file is formatted in a manner which makes it easily readable by
echomail distribution software to use as a "forward list". It is
published weekly by the Z1BC and distributed in the BACKBONE file
area.
BACKSTAT.Z1B - A text file containing the Zone 1 Backbone status report
which, among other things, itemizes echoes which are in the
process of being added to or dropped from the Zone 1 Backbone, as
well as listing the Tier 1 and 2 Z1B Hubs, and the Z1BC. It is
published weekly by the Z1BC and distributed in the BACKBONE file
area. It is advisable that those who rely on the Zone 1 Backbone
get in the habit of reading this file.
SLA_xxxx.Z1B (xxxx = yymm version) - This document. It is published
monthly by the Z1BC and distributed in the BACKBONE file area.
Moderator - Person(s) responsible for an echo and its liaison with the
Zone 1 Backbone.
EchoList - A database containing a list of echoes, published monthly by
the EchoList Coordinator (1:1/21). It customarily contains echo
names, moderator names and addresses, and descriptions of the
echoes.
Gateways - Echomail Gateways are nodes whose systems are used to exchange
mail with other groups. The term Gateway, as used here, includes
all forms of gating including, but not limited to, FidoNet zone
gating, inter-distribution system gating, inter-network gating,
and domain gating.
1.3 Service Level Agreement
------------------------------
The members of the Z1B agree to distribute mail in the most accurate and
expeditious manner possible within their means. Although they agree to
provide the best service possible, they do not have control over all of
the factors thus some problems might occur occasionally. Netmail messages
which are time critical or require sensitive handling should be sent
direct.
The Tier 1 and 2 Z1B Hubs agree to make available all echoes which are
listed in BACKBONE.Z1B. Tier 3 Z1B Hubs are not obligated to distribute
all listed echoes. In no case does any Z1B Hub agree to distribute any
echo which, in their own opinion, could subject them to consequences which
might have a negative effect on their well being.
The Z1B encourages the use of "echo-path routed netmail" (ERN) as a means
of keeping echo volume and off-topic posts at a reasonable level. Z1B
Hubs agree to accept routed netmail from any node who connects with them.
Any netmail message with a deliverable destination within FidoNet,
regardless of its origin, is accepted.
The Z1B Hubs agree to route ERN according to the wishes of the individual
nets. The Z1B Hubs depend on regional routing maps provided by the RECs
to represent these wishes. The Z1B encourages all nets to list every ERN
connection path to the nearest Tier 1 (zone level) Hub, regardless of
distribution system, in their region's chart. This will allow ERN to
follow the best path available. When these paths are not known or are not
available, Z1B Hubs agree to route ERN along echomail paths or to a ZC,
RC, or NC who has agreed to handle such mail.
The Z1B Hubs agree that ERN is for personal messages. It is not for
commercial messages, echoes, tunneling, mailing lists, news groups,
file-attaches, "encoded" files, pyramid letters, or chain letters. Thus,
the Z1B Hubs do not agree to route such messages.
The Z1B Hubs agree to treat all in-transit netmail as private mail. The
Z1B Hubs agree to not read or disclose routed netmail which passes through
their systems, except as required for technical or legal reasons.
The Z1B consists of volunteers. It does not agree to handle any echo
which could take the fun out of the hobby. Use