| Like a chameleon, there is not a single definition. Net | | | | By a second definition, net neutrality law refers to a |
| neutrality means different things to different | | | | potential FCC regulation of the Internets' neutral |
| communities, companies, and individuals. Based on such | | | | network. |
| an elusive definition, the FCC Internet regulation debate | | | | The FCC Internet regulation debate is complex |
| is complex. From a simplistic perspective, net neutrality | | | | considering the chameleon definition of net neutrality. It |
| or network neutrality refers to how data packets on | | | | is a debate of how packets are transferred, whether |
| the Internet are moved. | | | | or not Internet service providers have the right to |
| Everything on the Internet involves packets. Information | | | | impede or block traffic on their networks and who |
| is sent from one computer to another computer via a | | | | should regulate the US Internet growth, if regulation is |
| network. The information is in the form of a file. The | | | | necessary. |
| file is broken down into smaller pieces called packets. | | | | Essentially on side A, Internet carriers are interested in |
| When the packets are received at their destination, the | | | | a two-tiered Internet service model. Basically, the |
| second computer, the packets are reassembled to | | | | carriers would like to charge owners of Web sites a |
| create the file. Packets start as a complete file and | | | | premium fee for priority placement and faster speed |
| end as a complete file. In transit, the packets of a file | | | | across their pipes. |
| may be separated according to the best available | | | | On the other hand, side B, holds the viewpoint that the |
| route. Network efficiency determines how to balance | | | | Internet should maintain a traffic-neutral way. For |
| the load across various pieces of equipment. A Web | | | | example, network operators should not determine |
| page or an email is created from a series of | | | | what information reaches its destination or slow the |
| reassembled packets. | | | | information from competitors. Side B splits into two |
| By one definition, net neutrality principle or philosophy | | | | branches, I will refer to as B1 and B2. Side B1 |
| refers to data packets being given equal treatment. | | | | supporters favor regulation by the U.S. Government |
| Network Operators or Internet Service Providers | | | | while Side B2 does not want the government involved. |
| should give equal treatment to all data packets that | | | | Side B2 supporters arguments vary from 'Don't fix it if |
| travel over their pipes regardless of content, | | | | it ain't broken.' to implementing a self-regulatory plan |
| destination or source. | | | | governed by an independent, private body. |