Illustrated TCP/IP by Matthew G. Naugle Wiley Computer Publishing, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ISBN: 0471196568   Pub Date: 11/01/98

Chapter 6
Who Governs the Internet?

Who governs the protocol, the Internet, and the Web? First off, let’s make it clear that no one company or person owns the Internet. In fact, some say that it is a miracle that the Internet continues to function as well as it does. Why is this hard to believe? Well, in order to function, the Internet requires the complete cooperation of thousands of companies known as Internet Service Providers (ISPs), telecommunications companies, standards bodies such as IANA, application developers, and a host of other resources. The one main goal is to provide ubiquitous information access, and anyone who tries to divert the Internet to his or her own advantage is usually chastised. However, this is becoming more diluted now that ISPs are duking it out for traffic patterns. Furthermore, all those who participate in the Internet, including all companies that have IP connections to the Internet, must abide by the rules. Imagine that: Millions of people all listening to one set of rules.

Refer to slide 15. The TCP/IP protocol suite is governed by an organization known as the Internet Activities Board (IAB). In the late 1970s, the growth of the Internet was accompanied by a growth in the size of the interested research community, representing an increased need for coordination mechanisms. Vint Cerf, then manager of the Internet Program at DARPA, formed several coordination bodies: an International Cooperation Board (ICB) to coordinate activities with some cooperating European countries centered on Packet Satellite research; an Internet Research Group, which was an inclusive group providing an environment for general exchange of information; and an Internet Configuration Control Board (ICCB). The ICCB was an invitational body to assist Cerf in managing the burgeoning Internet activity.

Who Governs the Internet?

In 1983, continuing growth of the Internet community demanded a restructuring of the coordination mechanisms. The ICCB was disbanded and, in its place, a structure of Task Forces was formed, each focused on a particular area of the technology (e.g., routers, end–to–end protocols, etc.). The Internet Activities Board (IAB) was formed from the chairs of the Task Forces.

By 1985, there was a tremendous growth in the more practical/engineering side of the Internet. This resulted in an explosion in the attendance at the IETF meetings. This growth was complemented by a major expansion in the community. No longer was DARPA the only major player in the funding of the Internet. In addition to NSFnet and the various U.S. and international government–funded activities, interest in the commercial sector was beginning to grow. Also in 1985, there was a significant decrease in Internet activity at DARPA. As a result, the IAB was left without a primary sponsor and increasingly assumed the mantle of leadership.