The ARPA internet protocol

Abstract

A variety of computer networks are interconnected by gateway computers in the ARPA internetwork system. Processes on different networks may exchange messages with each other by means of an Internet Protocol which must be implemented in each subscriber (host) computer and in the gateways. The Internet Protocol is a relatively simple protocol that provides for the delivery of individual messages (datagrams) with high but not perfect reliability. This Internet Protocol does not replace the existing protocol in any network, but is used by processes to extend the range of communications. Messages in Internet Protocol are transmitted through any individual network by encapsulating them in that network's protocol. This paper presents an overview of the Internet Protocol and the operation of the gateway computers in the ARPA internet system. © 1981.