Subj : Two changes to BinkP inquiry...
To : Deon George
From : Ozz Nixon
Date : Fri Mar 06 2020 10:19 pm
> ON> Introducing a M_REQ command, MsgHdr Len M_REQ FILENAME
>
>This sounds OK to me - how is it different to REQ, ie: why is it better, or
>why does it need to change?
a) I did not grow up on BinkleyTerm, nor did I jump onto BinkD.
So, yes, I am more FrontDoor oriented in my head. So, instead of
dropping a <unique>.REQ - my poll command can also act as a REQ
command. We are using it for software updates ~ and I pondered, as a
n00b reading the specs, and implementing them over the past 2 years ~
that it helps clarify what the original draft has about doing a FREQ
during the negotiation phase. And as a n00b looking at the specs and
the workflow of the BSO environments ~ why would I receive an empty pkt
from a system that was forcing a poll. * Not all systems do this, but,
a couple have.
b) by providing MsgHdr LEN M_REQ (where LEN=1) - then I know its a
poll. If LEN>1 then its a CVS string of 1 or more requests. And to keep
with security (.REQ lacks) if the M_REQ file is passworded, the system
cound using the same MD5-CRAM logic for the individual file
password(s). Why? Security.
>What happens when it is a) User or c) EMSI - is it your intention that binkp
>becomes a "frontdoor", and if it isnt a mail (in the case of a) - you launch
>the BBS login screen. For the later, C) EMSI, is it enabling EMSI on the
binkp
>port? Why would this be needed over just connecting to a different port that
>serves EMSI?
* For systems that the Mailer/BBS work as one ~ yes, I let the user
login - like a "FroDo" design (and MANY other systems).
One port vs multiple ports. Security acceptance. The companies I have
worked for over the years, network CISO do not like to open multiple
ports for any reason. And while many may run a BBS at home ~ in the
corporate world, it would be nice to see the BBS and the MAILER serve a
purpose again.
So part of my question/inquiry was to see if anyone sees a value or
not for the protocol itself. I do, but, I am that American guy who
develops on his production system... ;-)
