Learning from the Past Lessons for the Future

Learning from the Past • Lessons for the Future Internet EDUCAUSE Live Michael M. Roberts The Darwin Group, Inc. [ mmr@darwin. ptvy. ca. us ] March 9, 2006

What Makes the Internet Different? • Simple network protocols - smart computers at ends • Interoperability, scalability, robustness • Layers not silos • Powerful platform for convergence of applications • Personalization of services to users

Internet Stage 1 (1980 -1991) Research - Academic Focus • Federal research funding - Arpanet/NSFNet I/II • Struggle for TCP-IP legitimacy • Creation of non-profit regional nets • Internet Engineering TF open standards (RFC’s) • Passage of High Perf Computing Act of 1991

Internet Stage 2 (1992 -1997) Early Public Internet • Federal Networking Council decision to allow commercial ISP’s to interconnect • Initiation of web services - Mosaic/Netscape • Outsourcing of DNS services to Network Solutions • Clinton White House Internet Agenda for Action • Telecom Reform Act - No Sig Internet sections

Internet Stage 3 (1998 -2005) Rapid Growth of International Public Internet • White House decision to privatize Internet admin - ICANN • Internet investment bubble - espec fiber optics • Full featured browsers & search engines • Acceleration of “everything on IP” • Beginning integration of IP with optical transport • HE seeks advanced net role - Internet 2, NLR, RONS

Internet Stage 4 (2006 - ? ) Maturing Worldwide Universal Network • Continued base for technology innovation • Rapid product & service differentiation • Broadband network promoted worldwide • Internet = engine of international economic development • Economic, political & social regimes adapting - awkwardly • U. S. role challenged

Challenges for the Future Internet (Short List) • Adequacy of technical architecture • Extent of economic regulation of net • address space - IPv 6 • builtin security • telecomm law out of sync with reality • Use of Internet to achieve social goals • universal service - digital divide • content restrictions • Internet and National Security • electronic surveillance - CALEA

Where Does Higher Ed Fit In? • Continue historic lead in basic research • Prototype advanced optical infrastructure - HOPI • Provide advanced & specialized svcs - Shibboleth • Promote tech transfer, openness, scholarship, fairness, • Extend reach of net for education - everyone a student • Preserve “Commons” - Balance group versus individual values/rights on the net