The internet is important basic infrastructure, but public efforts to monitor this complex system have been somewhat scattered. This study is analyzing existing internet monitoring tools and methodologies and providing concrete recommendations about the needs and the next steps that Europe should take in this area.

The outcomes of this study will be:

1. An up-to-date, and as-complete-as-possible cartography of existing monitoring tools and methodologies.
2. A gap analysis of the needs for new methods and tools, taking into account how the internet is evolving today and considering future internet design and policy directions. The gap analysis can point both to possible new tools and methods as well as innovative ways to use current tools and methods.
3. A proof-of-concept showcase for the tangible ways some of those tools and methods can be used with real data.
4. A set of tangible recommendations on how to close the gaps that have been identified, and suggestions for mechanisms that could support useful internet monitoring for stakeholders in Europe.

 

We are gathering information for the study through two workshops as well as a questionnaire. We will present our results at a third workshop.

This study was contracted for by the Communications Networks, Content and Technology Directorate-General of the European Commission through the SMART 2012/0046 tender. Scott Kirkpatrick of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem is leading the study, working with partners from the Alacatel-Lucent Bell Labs in Belgium, Martel Consulting, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, and UPMC Sorbonne Universités. The study is running for two years, starting in April 2013.