Imphal, Manipur, 12th Feb 2025
The India Internet Foundation collaborated with NEIAIS 2025 to deliver an impactful workshop on internet measurement and secure domain management at Manipur University on February 12th, 2025. The event drew 33 participants into a day of learning, discussion, and collaboration focused on strengthening India’s internet infrastructure.
A Day of Deep Dives and Expert Insights
The workshop, a part of the larger NEIAIS 2025 conference, featured expert speakers Mr. Anand Raje and Dr. Indrajit De. The sessions were designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, covering crucial areas such as:
Internet Measurement in Focus: Participants explored the tools and techniques that allow us to understand how our networks are performing and how secure they are. This knowledge is essential for ensuring a smooth and reliable online experience for everyone.
DNS/DNSSEC: Securing the Foundation: A core component of the internet, the Domain Name System (DNS), was a key topic. The workshop emphasized the importance of secure DNS configurations (DNSSEC) to protect against cyber threats and maintain the integrity of online access.
https://aiori.in/ and Network Monitoring: Attendees got a first-hand look at the AIORI.IN portal and learned about anchor deployment strategies. This highlighted practical methods for monitoring network activity and gaining valuable operational insights.
Charting the Future with AIORI Research: Beyond practical skills, the workshop fostered dialogue around AIORI’s cutting-edge research in advanced internet operations. It also served as a platform to explore potential collaborations that could drive further innovation in India’s internet landscape.
Key Learnings: Empowering Participants with Essential Knowledge
Participants gained a deeper understanding of critical internet concepts, including:
DNS Fundamentals: How domain names are translated into the numerical IP addresses that computers use to communicate.
Domain Structure: The organization of the internet’s naming system, from the top-level domains (.com, .org, .in) down to specific websites.
WHOIS & RDAP: Methods for accessing domain registration data, with a focus on the transition from WHOIS to the newer and more robust RDAP system.
DNS Records: The different types of records (A, MX, CNAME, etc.) that direct internet traffic and enable various online services.
Zone & Delegation: The distributed nature of the DNS, where different parts of the system are managed by different authorities.
Reverse Lookup: The process of finding a domain name associated with a given IP address.
DNS Security Best Practices: Essential security measures, such as keeping BIND software updated and ensuring correct DNS configurations, to protect against attacks.
DNS Diagnostic Tools: Practical skills in using tools like nslookup and dig to troubleshoot and verify DNS settings.
AIORI Phase II: Driving Innovation in India’s Internet
The workshop also showcased the significant work underway through AIORI Phase II, a program supported by MeitY, STPI, and NIXI. Key initiatives under this phase include:
Advanced Internet Measurement: Utilizing an Anycast Testbed across 5 locations and an Anchor Network spanning over 100 locations to monitor internet performance in real-time.
Network Maturity Model (NMAM): Developing a framework to assess and improve network quality, security, and automation practices.
DNS & Security Innovations: Creating solutions like AIORI DNS in a Box, leveraging Anycast technology, and using AI to detect and mitigate DNS abuse.
IPv6 Performance Tracking: Monitoring latency and server delay for IPv6 to ensure optimal performance of the next-generation internet.
Community Engagement: Fostering collaboration and innovation through hackathons and workshops with organizations like IEEE and IETF.
