Response to RFC # 597: Host Status

I have several questions about the November 1973 ARPANET

topographical map:

    1.  AMES is 4-connected, i.e. four network connections will go down
        if the IMP fails.  Is there some aspiration that IMPs should be
        no more than three connected?

2. The seven IMPS in the Washington area are arranged into a loop. This guarantees that local communication can take place even if one connection fails, and is probably a worthwhile preparation for area routing. On the other hand, for example, a break between MIT-IPC and MIT-MAC will require them to communicate through a 12-hop path through Washington. This can be remedied by a short (inexpensive) connection between Harvard and Lincoln Labs. Is there a plan to pull the Boston area, the San Francisco area, and the Los Angeles area into loops like the Washington area?

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