A method for interconnecting heterogeneous computer networks
Robert E. Cole · Software Practice and Experience · 1987
Abstract The real problems of network interconnection lie in the management of heterogeneity. The heterogeneity is not confined to the mechanical protocols but to much wider issues such as service philosophy (connection‐orientated vs connectionless), addressing, routing, applications models, management facilities and the foresight of the network designers in allowing for interconnection with alien networking systems. This paper describes a system which interconnects two heterogeneous networking environments through a third (local) system. Application layer relaying was chosen to provide the services of computer mail and remote terminal access. The interconnection architecture uses special network front‐ends and a local area network to provide a flexible and manageable system. A transport service interface is used to provide functional separation between the front‐ends and general purpose computers, including the relays.