On the Go Modem Protocol

[Antti Huima <huima@xxxxxx>]

I think it would be nice if GMP could be replaced with something with at
least the following features (some of these are present in GMP):

1. Based on human-readable encoding, such as HTTP, SMTP etc.
2. No error correction, assume underlying layer handles it.
3. No small limits on values transmitted.
4. Modular structure: there is the core protocol and then optional
   features that can be supported but not necessarily. Such features
   could include:
   1. Board setup (for testing a go program)
   2. Overriding opponent's moves (for testing a go program)
   3. Method for transferring markup from a go client to a protocol
      client (go programs could use this for annotating board positions
      and `explaining' their moves --- single protocol client would
      suffice)
   4. end-to-end conversation (`talk')
   X. proprietary extensions
5. No conflict situations: the protocol must be as deterministic as
   possible.
6. No timeouts, except for those induced by the underlying carrier.
7. Support for multiple character sets.

I don't consider the IGS protocol to be a good choice at the moment,
although my opinion is not based on extensive study.

-- 
Antti Huima
SSH Communications Security Oy