Ah, 1977: disco was big; pantslegs and shoes were even bigger.
Not everything was big, however. In those days, if you needed a "network number", you had 8 bits from which to choose.
And what big, draconian agency did they set up to parcel out that meager supply of numbers? His name was Jon Postel. According to
RFC739, Jon was the go-to guy, not just for network numbers, but for all your numeric needs:
If you are developing a protocol or
application that will require the use of a link, socket, etc. please contact Jon to receive a number assignment.
Actually, Jon was probably not draconian at all; he sounds like a nice fellow. Need a number? Just ask Jon. It seems ARPANET really had that personal touch.
Slashdot Mirror
Ah, 1977: disco was big; pantslegs and shoes were even bigger.
Not everything was big, however. In those days, if you needed a "network number", you had 8 bits from which to choose.
And what big, draconian agency did they set up to parcel out that meager supply of numbers? His name was Jon Postel. According to RFC739, Jon was the go-to guy, not just for network numbers, but for all your numeric needs:
Actually, Jon was probably not draconian at all; he sounds like a nice fellow. Need a number? Just ask Jon. It seems ARPANET really had that personal touch.