ISP level net filtering: don't get too excited

Stuart Corner
Monday, 28 July 2008 17:36

Opinion and Analysis

Perhaps the most significant limitation of the trial was that it was conducted with a simulated tier 3 ISP, one that purchases outbound transport from other networks to reach the Internet.

ACMA said that it was not feasible in the trial to assess how the performance results for the selected products might scale to a tier 2 ISP - one which directly peers on the same level of hierarchy but must purchase outbound transport to reach some portion of the Internet - or a Tier 1 ISP.

As the latter account for the bulk of Australian Internet customers, one has to wonder just how useful this trial has been.

The real test of the technology will come in the next phase: a test of filter technologies in a real world environment with a number of ISPs and Internet users. An expression of interest request will be released shortly seeking participants.

However there seems to be little doubt in Conroy's mind that implementation will go ahead, regardless of the outcome.

"We are interested to see the results of filtering in real-world conditions and I encourage ISPs to participate. This will enable the implementation of ISP filtering in Australia to be undertaken in an informed and effective way."