Local Arpa/Uucp Net Gates

[utzoo!decvax!ucbvax!unix-wizards]

>From mike.bmd70 at 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 < Farber @ Udel >

			Networking Forever!
				-Mike