Overview
This lecture presents RFC 1149, a humorous experimental specification for transmitting IP datagrams using birds (avian carriers) instead of electronic networks.
Purpose and Scope
- RFC 1149 describes a method for IP datagram transmission via avian carriers, mainly in metropolitan networks.
- The method is experimental and not recommended as a standard.
- Intended for use where traditional electronic networking is unavailable or impractical.
Transmission Method
- IP datagrams are printed in hexadecimal on scrolls of paper.
- Each octet is separated by "whitestuff" and "blackstuff" for clarity.
- The scroll is attached to a bird's leg using duct tape.
- Bandwidth depends on leg length; typical Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) is 256 mg.
- MTU can increase as the carrier (bird) ages.
- Upon arrival, the scroll is removed and scanned electronically for data recovery.
Network Characteristics
- Avian carriers provide high delay, low throughput, and low altitude service.
- Network topology is point-to-point per carrier, but multiple birds can operate simultaneously.
- Birds have natural collision avoidance and are not limited to line-of-sight communication.
- Central hub topologies enable some connection-oriented services.
Reliability and Maintenance
- Birds have self-regenerating properties, allowing for persistent delivery retries.
- Delivery can be affected by storms, potentially causing data loss.
- Audit trails are naturally generated (found on logs and trays).
- A prioritized "pecking order" can be established for service priority.
Security Considerations
- Security is generally sufficient, but data encryption is recommended in tactical situations.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Avian Carrier — A bird used for transporting data packets physically between locations.
- IP Datagram — A basic unit of data transfer in the Internet Protocol, here represented in paper form.
- MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) — The largest size of a data packet that can be sent; here, determined by the bird's leg.
- Whitestuff/Blackstuff — Visual separations for encoding data on paper.
- Collision Avoidance — Birds’ natural ability to avoid each other during flight to minimize transmission interference.
Action Items / Next Steps
- No specific homework or readings assigned; review core concepts of network transmission methods and protocol experimentation.