Internet
In this assignment, we were to watch a video lecture of Vint Cerf and an assignment on Bob Khan, both of whom are credited for inventing TCP/IP. Below are the assignment questions that we had to answer.
Reimagining the Internet
- Vint Cerf has described the InterNet as a homogenous network that connects heterogeneous computers. What did he mean by that?
Heterogeneous computers are a variety of computers that can be different devices. They are all connected in a homogenous network, which is one that operates and communicates all under the same protocol. - What is Metcalfe's law? (Hint: Use Google.)
Metcalfe's law is the value of a telecommunication network is proportional to the square of the total number of connected users on the network or system. - Where geographically are the majority of Internet Users located?
The majority of internet users are located in Asia. - Concerning the percentage of a country's population that uses the Internet, with what are mobiles helping?
Mobile devices are helping the Global Internet. - In design terms, what differentiates the Internet from earlier networks such as the Telephone and Telegraph networks?
Those networks need wire to connect everyone together (copper wire and fiber optics). Technology such as microwaves and satellites make it simple to connect with it being wireless. - Was there a particular logic in Vint Cerf's choice of a 32 it address space for IP addresses?
No there was no particular logic, he thought that he was running a simple test and did not know it would turn into the internet. - How do digital signatures relate to closing an important vulnerability in the DNS system?
Digital signatures can bind a domain to an IP address. - What is a sensor network? Give an example.
A sensor network is one that collects information from a variety of devices and relays that data through the network to a main location for analysis. An example of this would be a Power Grid. - What does Vint serve describe as one of the hardest problems that he can imagine?
One of the hardest problems that he can imagine was that figuring out a configuration is wrong . - Why is cloud collaboration important?
Cloud collaboration is important because we want to be able to move data back and forth or share with another cloud based server. - How does Vint Cerf describe the job that his Internet Design did with mobile? Specifically, what was the problem?
He did not realize at the time that nodes on the network would have to change depending on the location of the device. - How does Vint Cerf describe the job that his Internet Design did with broadcast? Specifically, what was the problem?
He described his design as an imperfection for dealing with broadcast media. The problem was that he turned the broadcast media into a point-to-point link. - What is strong authentication? Why is the lack of this an issue?
Strong authentication confirms good quality identity. The issue with this is that users cannot be convinced that their authentication is secure and therefore will not want to use the cloud. - In an Internet context, what is the overrun problem?
The overrun problem is when someone is taking advantage of the assets and using them against you. - What does Cerf cite as a problem with the Internet and copyright?
Vint Cerf cites that a problem with the Internet and copyright is that what is created today might not be interpreted the same way in the future. - What does Cerf mean when he talks about rotten bits? Give an example.
He is talking about data decay. An example of this would be something that is created today might not be interpreted in the future. - Briefly describe the InterPlanetary Internet. In your description, describe how this solves the point-to-point InterPlanetary communications problem.
InterPlanetary Internet would be an Internet that allows communication between planets by using DTN (Delay and disruption Tolerant) protocols. This would reduce the delay there would be through communicating over such a long distance - In an Internet context, what is common carriage? What implication does this have for Internet billing?
Common carriage implies that the same rules that apply to everyone. As long as you are under contract, you pay as much your neighbor would. The Internet should not be charged on per usage model, which can hinder growth. - What does Cerf means when he says that in the future, the network will disappear?
Cerf means that in the future, everything will be network capable.
Internet Resources
- What is the Internet Society?
The Internet Society is an organization that is being formed to foster voluntary interconnection of computer networks into a global research and development communications and information infrastructure. It will provide assistance and support to groups and organizations involved in the use, operation, and evolution of the Internet. - Who is Vint Cerf?
Vint Cerf is widely known as a "Father of the Internet". He is the co-designer of the TCP/IP protocol along with Bob Khan. He is also a founder of the Internet Society. - Who is Bob Kahn?
He is one of the founders of the Internet Society. He also founded the organization for national research initiatives. He is also credited for helping invent the TCP/IP protocol with Vint Cerf. - As articulated by Lynn St. Amour, what is ISOC's hope for the future?
The hope for the future is that everyone has equal access to ubiquitous, reliable, and open Internet and all countries of the world will be on par with each other.
