Implementation considerations to connect an IBM Token Ring LAN to the DDN using TCP/IP protocol

Abstract

The Naval Postgraduate School in Montery, California provides graduate education to commissioned officers and selected Department of Defense (DoD) personnel in a wide variety of subjects important to the military. One of these subjects is computer networks--specifically the Dod Defense Data Network (DDN) which plays a critical role in data transmission. Understanding the DDN and how to use it is immediately applicable and important to the students in their military careers. There is also faculty research in the development and use of the DDN. In addition, the DDN provides excellent electronic mail and a wealth of bulletin board and information services for a variety of users. The Administrative Sciences department is expanding it LAN-to-DDN connectivity so as to offer services common to most LANs as well as direct access to the DDN. The department has an IBM Token Ring network for this educational environment. This thesis reviews the issues a network manager must consider to provide LAN-to-DDN connectivity. Particularly the DDN, token ring networks, the campus backbone network, protocols, TCP/IP software and design issues a manager should consider in making this connectivity occur.