The Dynamic Internet

This provocative monograph begins by summarizing the evolving Internet from the mid-1990s when it transitioned from an academic and research network to its modern mass-market form. Yoo (Univ. of Pennsylvania School of Law) cites the four key changes that occurred during this period as the diversity of users, applications, technologies, and business relationships. Next, he suggests that these usage changes may require architectural restructuring and lists seven policy elements for possible adoption. Two parts follow an introductory chapter. The first part contains four chapters elaborating on the key user, usage, technological, and economic and business changes. The second is divided into seven chapters, each respectively expanding on one of the policy element implications. Among these are the level of standardization, governance, an increase in network core functionality, and pricing issues. In the book's final chapter, Yoo stresses the importance of basing policy on the future rather than the past, and recommends how best to proceed with the Internet's ever-evolving future. He uses frequent citations to support his analysis and includes an extensive reference list. The work is clearly written and easily understandable to general readers, offering a very thoughtful, well-documented case for the future of this important system. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Academic, general, and professional audiences, all levels. * CHOICE *