INTERNET ADMINISTRATION

The Internet is neither run nor owned by anyone. However, a number of Internet Technical Groups coordinate the working and maintenance of Internet. Some of them are:-

1. The Internet Engineering Task Force IETF

IETF coordinates the operation, management, and evolution of the Internet. It has a prominent role in the development of the Internet’s communication protocols.

2. The Internet Research Task Force IRTF

IRTF is concerned with the long term research problems and technical issues confirming the internet.

3. The Internet Architecture Board. IAB

They look after the technical and policy issues involving the evolution of architecture of the Internet.

4. Internet Society

Internet Society is considered to be the parent organization of the IAB. It does not directly involve the control and maintenance of Internet, but the society works to keep the whole system smooth.

INTERNET ACCESS

Access to Internet is possible in one of two basic ways namely dialing into an Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) Computer or with a direct connection to an Internet Service Provider. The difference between these two types of access is mainly the speed and cost. The minimum hardware and software required to get an internet connection is a personal computer, a modem a telephone connection and communication software.

Dial-up Connection

Under the method, individual users dial into a local Internet Service Provider through their PC and modem along the telephone lines. The signals are received by a modem at the point of ISP and then to their computers. Then user can surf or browse the Internet. The following hardware and software are required to establish a dial-up connection to the Internet.

1. An account with an Internet Service Provider. In India VSNL, Satyam online, MTNL, Dishnet etc., are some of the prominent ISPs.
2. A Telephone connection
3. A Computer
4. A modem – External or Internal
5. A communication software – A browser software and E-mail software are usually available with Internet Access.

Direct Connection

A user can also get a direct connection to Internet Service Provider where the user has a fixed cable or a dedicated phone line to the ISP. Often the dedicated line is an ISDN (Integrated Service Digital Network) line which is a higher speed version of the standard phone line. If the dedicated telephone line is used, no modem is needed to connect the computer to the internet but only a router is sufficient. All commercial access is almost always direct.