The Birth of the Internet - A look at RFC 3

Today, we’re diving into the world of RFC 3, another early document in the series that laid the groundwork for the Internet as we know it. Written by Steve Crocker and published on April 9, 1969, just two days after RFC 1 and 2, RFC 3 continued the exploration of ideas that would shape the future of networking.

Setting the Stage

The late 1960s were an exciting time for computer science. The ARPANET project, which aimed to connect research computers across the United States, was taking its first steps. Researchers were buzzing with ideas on how to make this network function effectively, and RFC 3 was part of this pioneering effort.

The Focus of RFC 3

Titled “Documentation Conventions,” RFC 3 addressed the need for standardized documentation within the ARPANET community. As more people got involved in the development of the network, it became crucial to have clear and consistent ways of documenting protocols, software, and ideas.

Steve Crocker emphasized that having standardized documentation would make it easier for everyone to understand and contribute to the project. This foresight helped create a collaborative environment where ideas could be shared and refined efficiently.

Documentation Conventions

So, what did RFC 3 propose? It introduced a set of conventions for writing and organizing documentation related to the ARPANET. Here are a few key points:

1. Title and Date: Each document should have a clear title and date to ensure it can be easily referenced and placed in context.

2. Author Identification: The author’s name and contact information should be included to allow others to follow up with questions or comments.

3. Numbering System: A consistent numbering system for documents was suggested to keep track of the growing body of work. This was crucial as the number of RFCs quickly expanded.

4. Clear Language: Using clear and concise language was encouraged to make the documents accessible to everyone involved in the project.

These conventions might seem straightforward now, but at the time, they were essential for keeping the rapidly evolving project organized and efficient.

A Collaborative Spirit

RFC 3, like its predecessors, was written in an informal and approachable style. This approach encouraged input and feedback from the community, fostering a spirit of collaboration that was vital for the success of the ARPANET project.

By establishing documentation conventions early on, Steve Crocker and his colleagues ensured that everyone involved in the project could communicate effectively. This collaborative spirit became a hallmark of the Internet’s development and continues to influence how we create and share technology today.

Reflections on Progress

Looking back, it’s impressive to see how these early RFCs laid the foundation for the Internet’s growth. They weren’t just technical documents; they were blueprints for a new way of working together, sharing ideas, and building something bigger than any one person or organization.

RFC 3 might not have introduced groundbreaking technical innovations, but its contribution to creating an organized and collaborative environment was crucial for the ARPANET’s success.

The Legacy of RFC 3

Today, the RFC series continues to be a vital part of Internet development. Thousands of RFCs have been published, each contributing to the evolution of the technologies and protocols that power our digital world. The documentation conventions introduced in RFC 3 helped set the stage for this incredible body of work.

As we explore these early documents, we gain a deeper appreciation for the visionaries who laid the groundwork for the Internet. Their efforts remind us of the power of collaboration, communication, and community in shaping the future.

What Else was Happening?

• The Concorde 002’s Maiden Flight: The British-built Concorde 002 made its first test flight from Filton Airfield near Bristol, England, to RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. This was part of the development program for the world’s first supersonic passenger jet, which symbolized a significant technological achievement in aviation.
• The Chicago Eight Trial: The pretrial hearings for the Chicago Eight (later known as the Chicago Seven after Bobby Seale’s case was severed) began in Chicago, Illinois. The trial involved anti-Vietnam War protestors charged with conspiracy and inciting a riot during the 1968 Democratic National Convention. It is worth mentioning the Students for a Demcratic Society(SDS) was active in Chicago at this time, which included notable members like Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn who were prominent SDS activists and Weather Underground members. The group engaged in a series of domestic terrorism activities from 1969 through the 1970s which included bombings, jailbreaks, and riots. Some of their actions included bombing the Capitol building, breaking Timothy Leary out of prison, and bombing the Pentagon and the State Department.