Network NeutralityProfessor: Robert J. Irwin

Computer Science 101Spring Semester 2007

Describe The Concept: Brandon Niezgoda, class of 2010

Arguments For and Against It: Ryan Vaeth, class of 2010

Which institutions Support it and Why?: Jennifer Poplarski, class of 2010

Describe the Conceptby Brandon Niezgoda

• Network Neutrality

• Main Topics • Main Players • Definition• Causes For Trouble• Example• Conclusion

Main Topics of Network Neutrality

• Internet: Worldwide system of computer networks.

http:// onemansblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/internet.png

• Sites: Pages that include search engines, written information, blogs, and videos.

Main Players in Net Neutrality

• People: Those with a computer with the hardware to get onto the internet.

http://www.cablesdirect.com/prodimages/CC500-06_LR.jpg

• Providers: Companies whom are paid money so that users can use their “pipes” to enter the web. (ISPs)Internet Service Providers.

Definitions

• Scientific Definition: Principle that Internet users should be able to access any web content they choose and use any applications they choose, without restrictions or limitations imposed by their internet service provider.

• Basic Definition: People are provided with an open internet.

Causes for Network Neutrality Policy

• As of now internet providers can…• Block Access to Some Sites.

• http://www.trafficsignstore.com/restricted.jpg

• Slow Down Access to Some Sites.

• http://www.nhtrails.org/Trailspages/TrailSignsDestinationATV/images/SLOW.jpg

Example

Website (www.google.com) can pay web server NetZero to block access to other search engine

site www.yahoo.com so that Google will get more business.

http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/lidrock/homepage-netzero.gif

http://www.ergoworkinggroup.org/ewgweb/SubPages/ProgramTools/WhatCanErgoDo/MoneyBag.jpg

http://www.clas.ufl.edu/users/mattjp/RightArrow.gif

http://images.apple.com/itunes/musicmarketing/images/itmspartner_icon_google.gif

Conclusion

• Every website being connected to gets the same

• 1.speed

• 2. quality

• as the other sites, meaning no tampering by the Internet Providers.

• That is the concept of Network Neutrality.

Arguments for and against Network Neutrality

By Ryan Vaeth

Some Important Arguments for Network Neutrality are:

• Protecting control of data

• Protecting small providers

• Protecting consumers

Protecting control of data

• People in favor of network neutrality feel that ISP’s could potentially discriminate against certain websites or data without a neutral network.

Protecting consumers and small providers

• Consumers are mainly for network neutrality for the fact that they may not be getting the bandwidth they deserve because the ISP they belong to slows a site down or completely restricts a public site.

• Small providers are for network neutrality for reasons that they would be discriminated against by ISP’s because they do not have the same amount of money as large companies.

Some Important Arguments Against Network Neutrality are:

• Encouraging investment

• Ensuring bandwidth availability

• Skepticism of government regulation

Encouraging investment

• People against network neutrality claim that network neutrality will discourage investments in broadband networks.

Ensuring bandwidth availability

• Advocates of non–neutrality believe that a state of non-neutrality will ration bandwidth between internet users.

Skepticism of government regulation

• In order for network neutrality to work and be efficient the government would have to take control. Many people are hesitant to put the government in what would be basically complete control of the internet, thinking that censorship may occur.

Individuals For Net Neutrality

Presented By:Jenn Poplarski

Network Neutrality

This issue is one of great importance that has drawn together numerous

big name personalities from all across the playing field.

Robert Pepper

• CEO of Cisco• strongly in favor of a free

and open Internet• Believes in a “Universal

View”• Basis of a market

economy is the consumer having choices.

Robert Pepper

• As CEO of Cisco:– Furthered idea that

“empowered consumers” make better choices and spend more money

– In favor of greater internet development as it has lead to new markets

– Supports a “bill of Rights” for internet users

Bob Kahn

• “Father” of Internet– Developed main

transfer protocol which allows data to be moved on the internet.

– Feels that people need incentives to innovate and Net Neutrality legislation removes incentives

Susan Crawford

• Well known tech pundit– Deemed net neutrality to

be a “cable-ized internet”• HBO like internet

• “Cable-ized internet” forces out companies hindering development– Japan as a model of the

internet with decreased prices and increased speed due to competition

Susan Crawford

• Big money does not equal big innovation which is what some people claim– Look at telephone

companies• When was there a new

telephone service developed

• Telephone service in the US has basically reached a standstill in terms of advancements

Overview

This issue is one of great importance that has drawn together numerous big name personalities from all across the playing field.