Network Working Group                                        R. Blokzijl
Request for Comments: 1181                                   RIPE/NIKHEF
                                                          September 1990


                        RIPE Terms of Reference

Status of this Memo

   This RFC describes the Terms of Reference of RIPE (Reseaux IP
   Europeens), the cooperation of European IP networks.  This memo
   provides information for the Internet community.  It does not specify
   any standard.

   Distribution of this memo is unlimited.

1. Terms of Reference of RIPE

   Recognising that IP networks are growing beyond the LAN's in Europe,
   and are extending over national and international WAN's in Europe,
   the RIPE coordinating body has been created.  RIPE stands for the
   "Reseaux IP Europeens".

   The objective of RIPE is to ensure the necessary administrative and
   technical coordination to allow the operation and expansion of a
   pan-European IP network.

      o RIPE acts as a forum for the exchange of technical information
        and the creation of expertise on IP networking.

      o The area of relevance for RIPE is Europe.

      o All parties operating wide area IP networks are encouraged to
        participate.

      o RIPE promotes and coordinates interconnection of IP networks
        within Europe and to other continents.

      o RIPE establishes agreement on common network management
        practices and the operational management of the interconnected
        networks.

      o RIPE serves as a focal point for other common activities of the
        participants related to IP networking.

      o All documents produced by RIPE will be publicly available.

      o RIPE is not a network service provider.  IP networks

        collaborating in RIPE remain under the executive authority of
        their respective organisations.

Security Considerations

   Security issues are not discussed in this memo.

Author's Address

   Rob Blokzijl
   RIPE
   c/o NIKHEF
   P.O.B. 41882
   NL-1009 DB  Amsterdam
   the Netherlands

   Phone:  +31 20 5920413

   EMail:  k13@nikhef.nl