Topic: Internet Infrastructure

The future of the popular .IO domain is in question following the UK's decision to return sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. Since the domain is tied to the British Indian Ocean Territory, which may technically cease to exist, there are concerns about the stability and pricing of .IO websites. This story highlights the intersection of international diplomacy and internet infrastructure.

The FCC's net neutrality proposal includes provisions regarding the security of the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP). Critics argue that government intervention in BGP routing is unnecessary and that the commercial market is better suited to handle internet peering and route flapping issues. The discussion warns against giving the government a "red button" for internet control.

Cogent Communications has reportedly stopped providing backhaul services to Russia, raising questions about the resilience of the global internet. The hosts discuss the potential catastrophic consequences of an internet shutdown, noting how modern infrastructure like smart locks and thermostats rely on connectivity.

A historical look at internet infrastructure recalls the importance of Metropolitan Area Exchanges (MAE), specifically MAE-East. Anecdotes describe the physical vulnerability of these hubs in the early days of the internet, including a flood at MAE-East that caused significant connectivity issues. The discussion highlights how centralized networking points remain potential targets for disruption.

The Biden administration is reviving plans for a national high-speed rail system, promising coast-to-coast travel without gasoline. This mirrors similar infrastructure promises made during the Obama administration that failed to materialize. The plan also includes expanding affordable high-speed internet access to all Americans as part of a broader technological "reset."

Klaus Schwab of the World Economic Forum warned of a forthcoming "cyber pandemic" that could be more devastating than COVID-19. He suggested a comprehensive cyber attack could halt power supplies, transportation, and hospital services globally. Such an event would likely result in a worldwide internet outage, highlighting the vulnerability of modern digital infrastructure.

A leaked draft of a Presidential Policy Directive on cybersecurity reveals plans to grant the Department of Homeland Security broad authority over the "communication sector," including the internet backbone. The order aims to create a "national unity of effort" for protecting critical infrastructure through information sharing.

The definition of "critical infrastructure" is debated following Senator Lieberman's claims that gas valves, water systems, and banks are vulnerable to remote hacking. A counter-argument is made that such systems should simply be disconnected from the public internet to ensure security. The reliance on internet-connected switches is attributed to cost-cutting measures by utility operators.

During her town hall, Hillary Clinton announced that the State Department would finally be upgrading its IT infrastructure to include Internet Explorer 8 and an optional deployment of Google Chrome. The hosts mock the department for being years behind modern technology standards and discuss the internal "sounding board" where employees complained about browser limitations.