Steven M. Bellovin wrote:
In message <20040217201751.5B25F5DDEA@segue.merit.edu>, "Tony Hain" writes:
The Internet has value because it allows arbitrary interactions where new applications can be developed and fostered. The centrally controlled model would have prevented IM, web, sip applications, etc. from ever being deployed. If there are any operators out there who still understand the value in allowing the next generation of applications to incubate, you need to push back on this tendency to limit the Internet to an 'approved' list of ports and service models.
Thank you. You've got it exactly right.
Does that then mean that there is in fact a requirement to allow into the Internet from its connecting networks every single packet offered? Or is it OK, just as a mind game, to deny access to packets that can clearly have no possible (not "no conceivable", "no possible") productive use--such as packets that claim to be sourced from a place distant from the network they arrived from for example? Aviation is another world for which I have been soured for a number of years (largely because of regulations that make no sense to me, but that screed is for another time and another place), but there used to be a useful segregation--I no longer remember the proper names. But there were classes of aircraft (and of aircrews) that were pretty rigidly regulated, inspected, measured, and tested which were allowed to be used to carry large amounts of human flesh or of other peoples property for hire. Another, less stringently governed group was allowed to do things for hire (read: also in production service) for things not included in my first group, but generally they could go the same places and do the same things. And so on--down to an "Experimental" (I'm pretty sure that is the right name for it) group that was restricted to certain airspace, certain air fields, certain uses all intended to assure that the production folk and folk who did not want to be involved at all were not at undue risk, while allowing innovation and other really good things.