CSNET: The Computer + Science Network


            _A_d_d_r_e_s_s:
            CSNET Coordination and Information Center
            BBN Systems and Technologies Corp.
            10 Moulton St.
            Cambridge, MA  02138

            _E-_m_a_i_l: cic@sh.cs.net

            _P_h_o_n_e: (617)873-2777 [CSNET hotline]


            _D_e_s_c_r_i_p_t_i_o_n

            CSNET is an international data communications  network  that
            supports  research  and education.  Members of CSNET include
            universities,  colleges,  government  agencies,   non-profit
            organizations  and industrial research laboratories.  Twelve
            foreign countries have university networks which are affili-
            ated  with CSNET;  their users can exchange electronic mail,
            and in some cases transfer files and log in remotely to com-
            puters  in  the  U.S.   Foreign  organizations can also join
            CSNET as individual members.

            CSNET offers several different connection options  to  serve
            the  needs  of  large  and small organizations.  The options
            include dial-up delivery of  electronic  mail,  dial-up  IP-
            based  interactive service, and IP-based interactive service
            using leased telephone and X.25 circuits.   CSNET  currently
            has about 145 members and affiliates.

            CSNET also provides technical information and  support  ser-
            vices  to  network users and to member technical representa-
            tives.  It operates a telephone hotline and a ``help'' mail-
            box,   publishes   an   online  newsletter  and  a  hardcopy
            newsletter, and distributes documentation on network use and
            services through an automated document server.

            CSNET users may register in the User Name Server,  a  direc-
            tory database of users and hosts maintained at the CIC.
            _________________________
            The information in this section is provided  in  accor-
            dance  with the copyright notice appearing at the front
            of this guide.




            July 8, 1989                NNSC        Section 5.2,  Page 1








            CSNET participates actively in  organizations  such  as  the
            Federation of American Research Networks, the IETF User Ser-
            vices Working Group, and the  international  ``networkshop''
            forum.

            CSNET and Bitnet are merging into a single  organization  in
            1990.

            _N_e_t_w_o_r_k _A_c_c_e_s_s

            Any member organization may use the services  of  CSNET.   A
            number  of  the  automated  services are available to anyone
            with email access to the Internet.

            _W_h_o _C_a_n _U_s_e _t_h_e _N_e_t_w_o_r_k

            Members can exchange data with each other and with the users
            of  many  connected networks, including Arpanet, NSFNET, and
            Bitnet.  Use of the network for purposes other than research
            and education is not permitted.

            _M_i_s_c_e_l_l_a_n_e_o_u_s _I_n_f_o_r_m_a_t_i_o_n

            See also, Bitnet.



























            July 8, 1989                NNSC        Section 5.2,  Page 2