Foreword
The Internet is often described as a global “network of networks.” It is not controlled by any single individual, organization, or government. Instead, the Internet is governed by a decentralized, international network of autonomous groups, drawn from the public and private sectors, academic communities, and international organizations, all working cooperatively through common standards and practices to maintain its operation. Because the Internet evolved from a network infrastructure created by the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Government originally owned and operated key technical components that enabled the domain name system to run smoothly. In 1998, however, administration of these functions…
