Re: [dhcwg] Confusion on RFC 3011 subnet selection option

Jitesh N Verma <jitesh@india.hp.com> Wed, 06 February 2002 06:26 UTC

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From: Jitesh N Verma <jitesh@india.hp.com>
Message-Id: <200202060548.LAA02496@chitha.india.hp.com>
Subject: Re: [dhcwg] Confusion on RFC 3011 subnet selection option
To: mellon@nominum.com
Date: Wed, 06 Feb 2002 11:18:12 +0530
Cc: dhcwg@ietf.org, mfrick@netopia.com, gww@nortelnetworks.com
In-Reply-To: <7EB34DD9-1A51-11D6-ABCA-00039317663C@nominum.com> from Ted Lemon at Feb "5, " 2002 "10:00:37" am
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Hi all,
	I read the RFC3011 at least 10 times to understand what is written
in the document. After so much of effort I did understand the situation
the RFC is meant for. But I was not 100% sure either. Because I had to assume
several undocumented things to understand.
	The point I want to raise is why to write RFC documents in such 
a cryptic/mystic langauge. Why can't the author give an example of the
scenario in which the document is applicable. What is the point in coming
out with a standard document if normal user can't understand it?
	The usage of giaddr field has already created lot of confusion in
DHCP circle in the past. The complicated topics must be explained properly.
Nothing should be left for implementor's assumption. I am not asking for
writting whole story. But, at least a hint or guideline should be given. 
	I hope the author of the RFC3011 updates it. If it is not updated,
the working group will be getting several such mails from new users
and implementors.

Cheers,
Jitesh



> Glenn, I'd just like to point out that DHCP packets are never sent on 
> subnets.   They are sent on links.   Normally we can get away with 
> confusing subnets for links, but in the case of DHCP, it winds up creating 
> a great deal of confusion.   A DHCP server cannot tell on what subnet a 
> client's broadcast was sent - all it can tell is on what link a client's 
> broadcast was sent.
> 
> So unfortunately there is a natural opportunity to become confused about 
> what the subnet selection option does, which I believe is what happened 
> here.   I hate to suggest updating anyhting that's made it to RFC when we 
> have so much other work that's still pending, but it might be worth adding 
> some clarification about this.
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> dhcwg mailing list
> dhcwg@ietf.org
> https://www1.ietf.org/mailman/listinfo/dhcwg
> 


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