ripe-1


			     R   I   P   E


                         Terms  of  Reference


     Recognising  that  IP  networks  are  growing  beyond  the  LAN's
     in  Europe,  and  are  extending  over  national  and international
     WAN's  in  Europe,  the  RIPE  coordinating  body has been created. 

     RIPE stands for the "Reseaux IP Europeens".

     The objective of RIPE is to ensure the necessary administrative
     and technical coordination to allow the operation and expansion
     of a pan-European IP network.

     -   RIPE acts as a forum for the exchange of technical information
         and the creation of expertise on IP networking.

     -   The area of relevance for RIPE is Europe.

     -   All parties operating wide area IP networks are encouraged to 
	 participate.

     -   RIPE promotes and coordinates interconnection of IP networks
         within Europe and to other continents.

     -   RIPE establishes agreement on common network management practices
	 and the operational management of the interconnected networks.

     -   RIPE serves as a focal point for other common activities of the
	 participants related to IP networking.

     -   All documents produced by RIPE will be publicly available.

     -   RIPE is not a network service provider.  IP networks collaborating
	 in RIPE remain under the executive authority of their respective
	 organisations.


     Amsterdam
     29 November 1989