How Control Exists after Decentralization

layers. Each layer describes a different segment of the technology behind networked communication, as described in chapter 1. Layer 7 Application Layer 6 Presentation Layer 5 Session Layer 4 Transport Layer 3 Network Layer 2 Data link Layer 1 Physical This classification, which helps organize the process of standardization into distinct areas of activity, is relied on heavily by those creating data networking standards. In 1987 ISO and IEC recognized that some of their efforts were beginning to overlap. They decided to establish an institutional framework to help coordinate their efforts and formed a joint committee to deal with information technology called the Joint Technical Committee 1 (JTC 1). ISO and IEC both participate in the JTC 1, as well as liaisons from Internet-oriented consortia such as the IETF. ITU members, IEEE members, and others from other standards bodies also participate here. Individuals may sit on several committees in several different standards bodies, or simply attend as ex officio members, to increase inter-organizational communication and reduce redundant initiatives between the various standards bodies. JTC 1 committees focus on everything from office equipment to computer graphics. One of the newest committees is devoted to biometrics. ISO, ANSI, IEEE, and all the other standards bodies are well-established organizations with long histories and formidable bureaucracies. The Internet, on the other hand, has long been skeptical of such formalities and spawned a more ragtag, shoot-from-the-hip attitude about standard creation.23 I fo-