ARPA Network Series

I. Introduction to the ARPA Network at RAND and to the RAND Video Graphic System

T. O. Ellis, Eric F. Harslem, J. F. Heafner, K. Uncapher

ResearchPublished 1971

An overview of the Advanced Research Projects Agency's experimental computer network, and a technical description of the RAND Video Graphic System that links RAND computing resources into the network. Based on principles of distributed communications without a central control point, set forth in a 1964 RAND publication series, the ARPA network has 18 nodes, located at 10 university sites, 4 research institutes (RAND, SDC, SRI, Mitre), 2 manufacturers (BB&N, Burroughs), and Rome Air Development Center. Computers of different make, model, size, speed, hardware, and software are interconnected by small special Interface Message Processor computers at each site. SRI handles all network documentation. UCLA analyzes performance statistics. BB&N coordinates maintenance and testing. RAND will experiment with information processing techniques. Network control programs are being written at each site. The Video Graphic System and its relation to the network are described and illustrated. (See also RM-3097, RM-3103, RM-3420, RM-3578, RM-3638, RM-3762-RM-3767.)

Document Details

Citation

Chicago Manual of Style

Ellis, T. O., Eric F. Harslem, J. F. Heafner, and K. Uncapher, ARPA Network Series: I. Introduction to the ARPA Network at RAND and to the RAND Video Graphic System. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1971. https://www.rand.org/pubs/reports/R0664.html.
BibTeX RIS

This publication is part of the RAND report series. The report series, a product of RAND from 1948 to 1993, represented the principal publication documenting and transmitting RAND's major research findings and final research.

This document and trademark(s) contained herein are protected by law. This representation of RAND intellectual property is provided for noncommercial use only. Unauthorized posting of this publication online is prohibited; linking directly to this product page is encouraged. Permission is required from RAND to reproduce, or reuse in another form, any of its research documents for commercial purposes. For information on reprint and reuse permissions, please visit www.rand.org/pubs/permissions.

RAND is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis. RAND's publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors.