overview
issues
primers
engineering
addressing
infrastructure
traffic
Australia
advocacy
convergence
broadband
wireless
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overview
This guide is under construction.
The web is one part of the internet, a network of
networks. Although the global information infrastructure
is independent of particular proprietary hardware or
software, it reflects broad standards.
Those
standards are developed and administered by national and international
bodies. Some are government agencies; others are
commercial or non-government organisations that operate with government endorsement.
As a result,
responsibilities and processes can be confusing. The following pages identify standards issues and
processes, highlighting what they mean for Australians.
This guide provides a map
of the overseas bodies that develop or authorise those
standards and highlights emerging technologies such as the
wireless web, the basis of m-commerce.
It also describes local regulatory agencies such as the ACA,
industry groups and advocacy bodies. The separate profile
on the web considers its evolution.
contents
issues what are the
key issues and processes in developing standards for
global information networks
primers
introductions to network technology, ie background for
understanding legal, economic and other questions
engineering & standards a map of
the engineering bodies - the IETF, ITU and others - along
with perspectives on their operation
addressing what's
involved in identifying points on the network, such as
websites, and why that's currently perhaps the most
contentious aspect of the internet. It covers the DNS,
ICANN and ENUM
infrastructure the
shape of the global infrastructure: pipes, routers, ISPs
traffic & access
pricing, access and who deals
with domestic and international traffic, particularly
important if (like Australia) your country runs an
information deficit in traffic across the Pacific
Australia a map of official and other bodies in Australia
concerned with the network: the ACA, NOIE, TIO, ATUG, auDA
and others
advocacy advocacy
and professional/technical bodies that increasingly
influence how the network is managed.
convergence the
web, telephone and broadcasting networks, and information appliances.
broadband a look at broadband,
the revolution 'just around the corner'.
wireless another
revolution waiting to happen, unlikely until WAP's significant
usability, pricing, stability and security problems are
solved.
Specific issues, such as domain name disputes, are
examined in more detail in other guides on this site. The Governance
guide in particular explores the regulation of cyberspace
at the local, national and international level.
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page (issues)
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