[ax25-layer2] More thoughts

[pete at ae5pl.net]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Bill Beech
> Sent: Saturday, September 17, 2005 12:25 PM
> To: ax25-layer2 at lists.tapr.org
> Subject: [ax25-layer2] More thoughts
> 
> So we are really back to defining the requirement of the new 
> protocol and applications and then splitting them into the 
> layers of the model.  We need to think in term of 
> applications as this will drive the protocol. 

This SIG is not attempting to define a new protocol.  It is attempting
to use the protocol that we have in the way that it was originally
intended.

> I suggest we look at the popularity of PSK-31.  Runs with 
> very low power on HF, has no provision to transfer files, and 
> lets hams talk to each other.  Gee, wasn't that the goal of 
> packet radio?  Did we get mired into to BBSs and junk mail, 
> and miss the boat? 

No, that wasn't the goal of packet radio.  That was, however, the goal
of most of the early users of the protocol who considered it to be the
protocol for people to interface to.  That concept, unfortunately, has
relegated AX.25 to virtual extinction because of the other protocols
which are much more adept at the type of communications as you point
out.

Recognition of the fact that AX.25 is a layer 2 protocol (albeit with
certain constraints which may or may not be in other layer 2 protocols)
is what this SIG is about.  We aren't trying to redefine the ISO layers
nor are we saying that everything has to be in strict adherence to those
standards.  We also aren't trying to redefine AX.25; we are simply
trying to implement what we already have. 

73,

Pete Loveall AE5PL