Loading…
Bienvenue au Forum sur la Gouvernance de l’Internet en Afrique de l’Ouest 2024!
Dakar vous attend.
← Back to schedule
How does the internet work?: Architecture, protocols, governance, and the transition to IPv6 in Africa
Tuesday July 9, 2024 10:00 - 11:00 UTC
Room 1
This session will delve into the intricate workings of the Internet, focusing on its architecture, the development of its protocols and standards, and the pivotal institutions involved in its governance. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how data is transmitted across the Internet using packet-switching technology and the role of TCP/IP in ensuring data integrity and delivery. The session will also cover the Domain Name System (DNS), which translates human-friendly domain names into IP addresses, highlighting the foundational structure that keeps the Internet running smoothly.

A significant portion of the session will be dedicated to the organizations that develop and maintain Internet protocols and standards, such as the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) and the Internet Research Task Force (IRTF). We will explore how these bodies, along with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the Internet Society (ISOC), contribute to the stability and security of the Internet. By understanding the roles and responsibilities of these organizations, participants will appreciate the collaborative efforts required to manage and govern the global Internet infrastructure effectively.

The session will also address the importance of Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) and the transition from IPv4 to IPv6, particularly in the African context. IXPs play a crucial role in enhancing local and regional Internet performance by facilitating efficient traffic exchange between networks, thus reducing latency and improving speed. As the number of Internet users and connected devices grows, transitioning to IPv6 becomes essential due to its vastly larger address space. This transition is vital for Africa, presenting opportunities for improved Internet scalability, security, and innovation. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of these technical and governance aspects and their significance for sustainable social, political, and economic development in the West Africa region.
Moderators
avatar for Yaovi Atohoun

Yaovi Atohoun

Director Stakeholder Engagement & Operations for Africa, ICANN
Yaovi Atohoun is an electrical engineer with more than 30 years’ work experience in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). He has worked for the Association of African Universities (AAU) as Senior IT Officer from 2008 to 2012. He has coordinated many activities for the... Read More →
Tuesday July 9, 2024 10:00 - 11:00 UTC
Room 1
  Closed-door Session

Attendees (19)


Sign up or log in to save this to your schedule, view media, leave feedback and see who's attending!

Tweet Share
Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link