2. Infrastructure and standardisation cluster The infrastructure and standardisation cluster includes three types of issues that ensure the core functionality of the Internet. First is the telecommunication infrastructure that facilitates digital communication. Second are issues related to standards and critical Internet resources (technical and web standards, Internet protocol (IP) numbers, the domain name system (DNS), and the root zone. The third group of issues such as net neutrality, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things deal with the policy aspects that may shape and determine future Internet developments. Figure 1. This illustration summarises the three main layers of relevance for the infrastructure and standardisation cluster (Source: DiploFoundation graphic library). 2.1 Telecommunication infrastructure The telecommunication infrastructure includes telephone wires, fibre-optic cables, satellites, microwaves, and wireless links. Fibre-optic cables, with 95 per cent of the international Internet traffic, are the core segment of the telecommunication infrastructure. Technological development and innovation are likely to introduce new telecommunication solutions, such as telecom drones and balloons. The governance of the telecommunication infrastructure has an important impact on how the Internet is developed and used. Status of governance mechanisms for the telecommunication infrastructure The governance mechanisms for telecommunication infrastructure are managed by a wide variety of public and private organisations. The main international organisation involved in 6

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