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From: jim@ferkel.ucsb.edu (Jim Lick)
Newsgroups: comp.org.eff.talk
Subject: What is Internet?
Message-ID: <7923@hub.ucsb.edu>
Date: 30 Dec 90 21:42:57 GMT
Sender: news@hub.ucsb.edu
Organization: Laputa, Castle in the Sky
Lines: 33

I'd like to add a few comments on the differences between Usenet, UUCP, and
Internet as discussed recently.  This is yet another nit, but an important
(aren't they all?) one, and one which will become increasingly more
important over the decade.

The fact is, that despite what many people still think, the Internet is no
longer one net with one all-encompassing policy regarding use.  The only
national network with the research and education restrictions is NSFNET.
And it only has less than two years to live.  There are also the 'mid-level'
nets which are funded by NSF with similiar policies which give regional
access.  However, there are several branches of the Internet which have
completely different policies.  There are now several foreign (non-US)
countries on the net.  They often have very different policies regarding
use.  There are also a few commercial networks which have few or no
restrictions.  These include PSInet, and Alternet, both of which are
national networks using TCP/IP, and hooked into the larger Internet.

I have just recently purchased dial-up SLIP access to PSInet.  In the
contract I signed, I was given unrestricted use of PSInet.  However, it was
specifical covered that any traffic I generate over NSFNET, or any other
network was subject to the restrictions of that particular network.
Anyways, the main point is that Internet is not as simple as most people
think.  We are now seeing ever-increasing portions of the net with no usage
restrictions.  This, I think is a VERY GOOD THING, and thus is why I want to
make this point known.

                            Jim Lick		       
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