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What is Net Neutrality?

What is Net Neutrality?

Well, Net Neutrality is a concept that basically deals with the idea of treating all data available on the internet with equality which means that the Internet Service Providers can't intentionally block, slow down, charge money or discriminate any user based on the quality or quantity of information available on specific websites, platform or any application based on type of attached equipment, content or method of communication.
     
    Image Credit: trak.in

Related Principles


Technical and Service Network Neutrality


Technical and service network neutrality is basically a simple concept which says that the operation of a service at a layer shall not be influenced by any data other than the data that are interpreted at that layer and that should follow a strict protocol specified in that layer.


Open Internet

 

It is basically a kind of decentralization of technological power where any individuals, companies or organizations can easily access to the internet with full resources and can operate on it. It can also be seen as a open source software where the users are provided access to the codes that runs the program so that they can improve the software or fix bugs.


Traffic Shaping


Traffic Shaping is a simple concept which mainly focuses on the control of computer network traffic by optimizing performance, improving latency and increase bandwidth by delaying a controlled information and user data, which is also known as payload i.e. the actual intended message. Traffic shaping basically means controlling the quantity of data sent to a network and the maximum rate (or rate limiting) at which the traffic is sent.


What are the Pros?


1. Creates equality

This means the Internet Service Providers can't really do much about the accessibility of users based on the mechanisms through which they want. Companies like AT&T or Comcast wouldn't be able to manipulate the customers accessibility to certain websites or applications. 

2. Provides freedom of expression

Any websites or services that can operate legally can do so and be available. Net neutrality has given us the freedom to immediately report to the law enforcement officials regarding any information which seems to be illegal or inappropriate. Without this freedom of expression it would become easier for illegal content like child pornography to be available on the internet.


What are the Cons?


1. Limits infrastructure improvements

There are some high level users who consumes a huge amount of bandwidth for their internet usage. If they are asked to pay the money it could indirectly affect the ISPs in a positive manner. They can use this added income to upgrade their infrastructure, making it possible for advanced fiber networks to be installed in many communities.

2. Reduce the consumption of other users' data allotments

This has been a possibility since some mobile telecom operators may provide free internet access to some contents. Those who do not have data contracts on their smartphones will be enabled to surf some areas of the internet for free. This would reduce the consumption of other users' data allotments.


Personally, I feel that this topic is very much debatable  and it may continue as well. We need to consider each key point carefully and debate or discuss together so that we can come up with a reasonable solution that would benefit all of us.
HT: Wikipedia
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