The Federal Communication Commission’s National Broadband Plan - Adoption, Usage, and Global Impact of Broadband Technologies - page 72

using the Internet. Each entitlement is subject to
reasonable network management by an Internet
service provider.
Two-tier Internet: When an Internet service
provider offers independent content and applica-
tions developers two types of broadband access to
its end users: (1) a normal best efforts path to end
users and (2) a better than best efforts premium
path to end users.
Comcast Decision: The FCC sanctioned Com-
cast Corporation in 2008 for allowing its Internet
service provider to degrade the performance of
a popular file-sharing application protocol used
by its end users.
Network Neutrality: A network engineer-
ing design principle in which an Internet service
provider treats all data it carries on its network in
a neutral, non-discriminating manner regardless
of the type of data.
Broadband Internet Access: The provision
of a high speed Internet access line to the Internet
for end users by Internet service providers (e.g.
telephone DSL or fiber line, cable modem, or
wireless connection).
Internet Service Provider: A company that
provides to end users a high speed transmission

connection and enhanced services enabling an
end user to access the Internet.
Applications and Content Providers: Inter-
net companies that provide functionalities (such
as email, Internet browsers, search engines) and
content (such as data, music, video) for end users
to consume or as inputs into further production
activities.
Next Generation Networks: Upgrades to
existing Internet broadband access networks that
frequently include fiber technology extending
closer to and if not ending at an end user's premises.
Discrimination: When an Internet service
provider degrades or blocks the use of an appli-
cation or access to content or favors the use of
application or access to content.
Internet Stack: A modular, layered conception
of the Internet. One common specification includes
four layers: an infrastructure layer (transmission
lines, servers, routes) a logical layer (Internet
protocol), applications layer (email program, Web
browser, search engine, voice over Internet pro-
tocol) and content layer (Web page, music, text).
National Broadband Plan: An effort by the
FCC to promote the adoption, diffusion, and
utilization of the Internet by the United States.