To facilitate compatible interconnection of data processing equipment conforming to the Open Systems Interconnection architecture, this Technical Report describes:
(i) Principles by which End Systems which do not have inbuilt knowledge and ability to identify for themselves the route which should be used for the transmission of data in the Network Layer are able to obtain the necessary information from other systems.
(ii) A protocol for use by such End Systems in obtaining routing information.
The following are outside the scope of this Technical Report:
(i) The methods by which the suppliers of routing information determine the routes which they notify by the means described in this Report.
(ii) The operation and contents of Network Layer directories.
(iii) Any form of determination of routes other than at the Network Layer (for example, in the Application Layer).
This Technical Report is concerned with routing information required for the provision of the Network Service in the following circumstances:
(i) When providing Connectionless-mode Network Service (CLNS) using the methods described in ISO 8473.
In this case the procedures described in this Report constitute further activities of the Network Entity which are additional to the procedures described in ISO 8473.
(ii) When providing Connection-mode Network Service (CONS) over X.25.
In this case the procedures described in this Report constitute further activities of the Network Entity in addition to those described in ISO 8878 and ISO 8881.
When provision of the Network Service in circumstances other than these is standardized further associated routing activities may be necessary.