NLnet facts for kids
 |
|
| Type | Nonprofit organization |
|---|---|
| Legal status | Stichting |
| Purpose | Free Software Network Research and Development in the Domain of Internet technology |
| Headquarters | Amsterdam Science Park |
|
Region served
|
Worldwide |
|
Membership
|
Individuals |
The NLnet Foundation is an organization that helps people and groups. They support those who want to make the internet a better, more open place for everyone. NLnet was very important in bringing the Internet to Europe in the 1980s. In 1997, the foundation sold its commercial internet business. This gave them money to become an organization that gives grants to other projects.
How NLnet Started
NLnet's story began in April 1982. A group called the European Unix Users Group (EUUG) announced a big plan. They wanted to create and provide network services across Europe. This project was named EUnet. Teus Hagen was the chairman and a key person in this effort.
NLnet was the main hub for EUnet in the Netherlands. It operated from a science center called CWI. NLnet played a vital role in spreading early internet technologies. These included UUCP and later the ARPAnet throughout Europe. Because of this work, Teus Hagen and other pioneers are now in the Internet Hall of Fame.
NLnet also created the world's first dial-in and ISDN internet system. This system covered the whole country. They used signal wires from the Dutch rail system. NLnet also helped start the AMS-ix foundation. They also helped create the .nl internet address registry, SIDN.
Becoming a Foundation
The Stichting NLnet was officially created in February 1989. A Stichting is a Dutch word for a foundation. In November 1994, Stichting NLnet created NLnet BV. A BV is a Dutch company with limited liability. This company became the first internet service provider in the Netherlands.
In 1997, a company called UUnet bought NLnet's internet services business. UUnet later became part of Verizon. This sale gave Stichting NLnet money to change its focus. It became an organization that gives grants.
What NLnet Does Now
Today, NLnet uses its funds to support new internet technology. They also fund research and development in computer science. The foundation is known as a public benefit organization in the Netherlands. This means its work helps the public.
NLnet has an open call for proposals. Anyone in the world can submit ideas to improve the internet. They also have special funds, like the Internet Hardening Fund. The results of the projects they support are shared freely. This often happens through FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) licenses. They also share through Internet standards and web standards.
NLnet is famous for supporting open source software and standards. They also help with related activities. Some of the projects NLnet supports or has supported include:
- DNSSEC: This helps make internet addresses more secure.
- ODF plugfest: This helps make sure different software can open the same document files.
- GPL V3: This is a license that helps keep software free and open.
- Tor anonymity network: This helps people browse the internet privately.
- Namecoin: This is an early project for decentralized internet names.
- Jitsi: This is a tool for secure video calls.
- nftables: This is a system for managing network traffic.
- Libre-SOC: This project works on open-source computer chips.
