ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Device neutrality

Device neutrality refers to the idea that all devices we use, like phones, tablets, and computers, should be able to access the internet in the same way. It means that no device should be treated better or worse by the people who provide internet services.

Imagine you have many toys, like cars, trucks, and dolls. Your favorite toy is the car, and you play with it all the time. But one day, someone comes and takes all your other toys away, leaving only the car for you to play with. That wouldn't be fair, right? That's because all your toys should be treated equally, and you should be able to choose which one you want to play with.

Now let's apply this idea to the internet. Different devices, like your phone or computer, are like your toys. Each device has its own way of accessing the internet and doing things online, like watching videos, playing games, or talking to your friends. Just like you have different toys that give you different ways to have fun.

But what if someone is in charge of the internet and decides to make it unfair? They might say that only your phone can access certain websites, and your computer or tablet can't. Or they might say that only certain devices can go on the internet fast, while others are very slow. That wouldn't be fair, right?

Device neutrality says that all devices should be treated equally. It means that no matter if you're using a phone, a tablet, or a computer, you should be able to do the same things on the internet at the same speed. Just like you should be able to play with any toy you want, without someone deciding which one you can or cannot play with.

Imagine if your favorite car toy could only drive on certain roads, while your truck toy could drive on all roads. That wouldn't be fair, right? That's why device neutrality says that all devices should have the same access to the internet, just like all toys should have the same opportunity to play with you.

So, device neutrality means treating all devices the same when it comes to accessing the internet. It ensures that everyone can use any device they like and have the same experience online, without any favorites or unfair rules.