[Upd-discuss] internet root servers control: centralised Vs decentralised

[Dean Anderson]

This is somewhat old hat. The article you quoted is from July, 2005.

However, the nature of Root DNS makes it impossible to really assert such
control, since end users (well, ISPs and those who run there own nameservers),
choose which 13 root servers to put in their initialization files. If you
chooses a different set of 13 with same ~2600 DNS records that comprise the glue
to the top level domains, you get the same top level domains, but have different
group running the root servers.  There have previously been some alternate root
projects, but these are not widely used.  The ITU/UN/world doesn't absolutely
need to cooperate with ICANN. The ITU could simply setup root servers, and
publish their addresses.  Problems only arise if the two groups then diverge in
the selection of new top level domains. The new top level domains might not be
available everywhere.

However, practically speaking, the question of who runs the root servers really
depends on how well they (ICANN and its subcontractors) run the root server
system. If they run it badly, they will have to change their practice or they
won't remain long as the operators.  There is some technical evidence that they
run it badly, and some evidence that they run it badly for their own financial
benefit.  And that doesn't even consider the political issues (new top level
domain names) that resulted in the movement to transfer control to the UN/ITU.

Root DNS isn't rocket science, but it does require attention to details.

		--Dean


On Fri, 24 Mar 2006, Mashilamani Sambasivam wrote:

> This article talks about possible
> decentralisation by UN taking charge of 
> root servers.
> 
> US holds onto key internet role 
> http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4640441.stm
> 
> Masi
> 
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