Meaning: The quote you have provided is a statement made by Jon Postel, a prominent American computer scientist and one of the key figures in the development of the Internet. In this quote, Postel highlights his role as the administrator of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), which is responsible for the central coordination of the Internet's address space, domain names, and Internet protocol (IP) conventions. This role is crucial for the functioning and operation of the Internet as we know it today.

The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) is a department of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which is a non-profit organization responsible for coordinating and managing the Internet's domain name system (DNS), IP address allocation, and other Internet protocol resources. The IANA's primary function is to allocate and maintain unique identifiers for the smooth operation of the global Internet.

One of the key responsibilities of the IANA is the allocation of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. Every device connected to the Internet, whether it's a computer, smartphone, or any other networked device, requires a unique IP address to communicate with other devices on the network. The IANA ensures that IP addresses are allocated in a coordinated and efficient manner, preventing conflicts and ensuring the smooth functioning of the Internet.

In addition to IP address allocation, the IANA is also responsible for managing the global domain name system (DNS). The DNS is a hierarchical system that translates human-readable domain names (such as google.com) into numerical IP addresses that computers use to identify each other on the network. The IANA plays a critical role in coordinating the assignment of top-level domain names (such as .com, .org, .net, etc.) and ensuring the stability and security of the DNS.

Furthermore, the IANA is responsible for maintaining and updating various Internet protocol parameters and assignments, such as protocol numbers, port numbers, and other technical parameters essential for the proper functioning of Internet protocols and standards. This includes managing the assignment of protocol parameters for protocols such as Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP), and many others.

Jon Postel's role as the administrator of the IANA was instrumental in shaping the early development of the Internet and ensuring its stable and secure operation. His work in coordinating the allocation of Internet resources and managing critical Internet protocols laid the foundation for the global network we rely on today.

In conclusion, Jon Postel's quote underscores the pivotal role of the IANA in coordinating the allocation of Internet resources, including IP addresses, domain names, and essential protocol parameters. The IANA's functions are fundamental to the smooth and secure operation of the Internet, and its work continues to be crucial in maintaining the stability and interoperability of the global network.