CHAP 02 : THE INTERNET AND WORLD WIDE WEB

2.1. Evolution of the Internet * The Internet has its roots in a networking project started by the Pentagon’s Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Defense. * ARPA’s goal was to build a network that * Allowed scientists at different physical locations to share information and work together on military and scientific projects and * Could function even if part of the network were disabled or destroyed by a disaster such as a nuclear attack. * That network, called ARPANET, became functional in September 1969, linking scientific and academic researchers across the United States. * Internet2 * Internet2 is a not-for-profit research and development project that connects more than 200 universities and 115 companies via a high-speed private network. * Founded in 1996, the goal of Internet2 is to develop and test advanced network technologies that will benefit Internet users in the short-term future. * These technologies require an extremely high-speed network that exceeds the capabilities of today’s Internet and networks. * Connecting to the Internet * Cable Internet service provides high-speed Internet access through the cable television network via acable modem. * DSL (digital subscriber line) provides high-speed Internet connections using regular copper telephone lines. * Fiber to the Premises (FTTP) uses fiber-optic cable to provide high-speed Internet access to home and business users. * Fixed wireless provides high-speed Internet connections using a dish-shaped antenna on your house or business to communicate with a tower location via radio signals. * A cellular radio network offers high-speed Internet connections to devices with built-in compatible technology or computers with wireless