Lab - Research Networking Standards

Objectives
 Research Networking Standards Organizations
 Reflect on Internet and Computer Networking Experiences

Background / Scenario
Using web search engines like Google, research the non-profit organizations that are responsible for
establishing international standards for the internet and the development of internet technologies.

Required Resources
Device with internet access

Instructions

Step 1: Research Networking Standards Organizations

In this step, you will identify some of the major standards organizations and important characteristics, such as
the number of years in existence, the size of their membership, the important historical figures, some of the
responsibilities and duties, organizational oversight role, and the location of the organization’s headquarters.
Use a web browser or websites for various organizations to research information about the following
organizations and the people who have been instrumental in maintaining them.
You can find answers to the questions below by searching the following organizational acronyms and terms:
ISO, ITU, ICANN, IANA, IEEE, EIA, TIA, ISOC, IAB, IETF, W3C, RFC, and Wi-Fi Alliance.

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Lab - Research Networking Standards

Questions:

1. Who is Jonathan B. Postel and what is he known for?

Jonathan B. Postel was an American computer scientist who is known for his contributions to the
development of the internet, including his role in establishing the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA)
and his work on the creation of the Domain Name System (DNS).
2. Which two related organizations are responsible for managing the top-level domain name space and the root
Domain Name System (DNS) name servers on the internet?
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the Internet Assigned Numbers
Authority (IANA).
3. Vinton Cerf has been called one of main fathers of the internet. What internet organizations did he chair or
help found? What internet technologies did he help to develop?
Vinton Cerf helped found and chair several internet organizations, including the Internet Society (ISOC), the
Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), and the Internet Architecture Board (IAB). He is also known for co-
developing the TCP/IP protocol, which is the foundation of the internet.
4. What organization is responsible for publishing Request for Comments (RFC)?
The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).
5. What do RFC 349 and RFC 1700 have in common?
RFC 349 (Request for Comments: Assigned Numbers) and RFC 1700 (Assigned Numbers) are both RFCs
that document assigned numbers and protocols used on the internet.
6. What RFC number is ARPAWOCKY? What is it?
ARPAWOCKY is not an RFC number, but rather a poem was written by computer scientist and internet
pioneer, Donald Knuth.
7. Who founded the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)?
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) was founded by Tim Berners-Lee, who is also credited with
inventing the World Wide Web.
8. Name 10 World Wide Web (WWW) standards that the W3C develops and maintains?
HTML, CSS, XML, RDF, SVG, WebRTC, Web Audio API, Web Speech API, Web Authentication API, and
WebRTC 1.0.
9. Where is the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) headquarters located and what is the
significance of its logo?
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) headquarters is located in New York City, and its
logo features the Greek letter "Eta," which symbolizes "the first letter in the Greek words for 'technology' and
'education.'"
10. What is the IEEE standard for the Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) security protocol?
The IEEE standard for the Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) security protocol is IEEE 802.11i.
11. Is the Wi-Fi Alliance a non-profit standards organization? What is their goal?
Yes, the Wi-Fi Alliance is a non-profit standards organization whose goal is to promote and certify Wi-Fi
technology.
12. Who is Hamadoun Touré?
Hamadoun Touré is a Malian diplomat who served as the Secretary-General of the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) from 2007 to 2014.
13. What is the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and where is it headquartered?
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that is
responsible for coordinating global telecommunications and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

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Lab - Research Networking Standards

14. Name the three ITU sectors.

The three ITU sectors are the Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R), the Telecommunication Standardization
Sector (ITU-T), and the Development Sector (ITU-D).
15. What does the RS in RS-232 stand for and which organization introduced it?
The RS in RS-232 stands for "Recommended Standard," and it was introduced by the Electronics Industry
Alliance (EIA).
16. What is SpaceWire?
SpaceWire is a high-speed serial communication interface that is used in spaceflight applications.
17. What is the mission of the ISOC and where are its headquarters located?
The Internet Society (ISOC) is a non-profit organization that aims to promote and support the development of
the internet, and its headquarters are in Reston, Virginia.
18. What organizations does the IAB oversee?
The Internet Architecture Board (IAB) oversees the technical evolution of the internet, and the Internet
Engineering Steering Group (IESG) oversees the development of internet standards.
19. What organization oversees the IAB?
The Internet Society (ISOC) oversees the IAB.
20. When was the ISO founded and where are its headquarters located?
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) was founded in 1947 and is headquartered in
Geneva, Switzerland.

Step 2: Reflect on Internet and Computer Networking Experiences

Take a moment to think about the internet today in relation to the organizations and technologies you have
just researched. Then answer the following questions.
Questions:

1. How do the internet standards allow for greater commerce? What potential problems could we have if we did
not have the IEEE?
Internet standards, such as those developed by the IEEE, enable devices and networks from different
manufacturers and locations to communicate with each other. This interoperability allows for greater
connectivity and information exchange, which in turn can facilitate commerce on a global scale. Without the
IEEE and its standards, there could be fragmentation in the development and implementation of networking
technologies, leading to compatibility issues and hindering communication and commerce.

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Lab - Research Networking Standards

2. What potential problems could we have if we did not have the W3C?
Without the W3C, there could be inconsistencies and incompatibilities in the development and implementation
of web technologies, leading to a fragmented web that would not function smoothly. This could make it more
difficult for users to access and use the internet, and for businesses to build and maintain their online
presence.
3. What can we learn from the example of the Wi-Fi Alliance with regard to the necessity of networking
standards?
The Wi-Fi Alliance demonstrates the importance of standards organizations in ensuring the interoperability
and compatibility of networking technologies. By developing and certifying products based on standardized
specifications, the Wi-Fi Alliance ensures that devices from different manufacturers can work together and
that users can expect a certain level of performance and security from Wi-Fi products. This helps to promote
the widespread adoption and use of Wi-Fi technology, which in turn drives innovation and economic growth in
the industry.

End of Document

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