The Internet: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

• Mid - late 1970s: ARPANET - Packet-switched net, 56kbit/sec point-to-point leased lines, funded by DARPA, 10 networks, 10^2 computers,

• 1980 - 1983: ARPANET converting to new TCP/IP protocols, MILNET split, TCP/IP mandated for ARPANET connection, implemented in BSD UNIX

• 1985 - 1986: NSF takes major role in expansion with NSFNET - T1 (1.54 Mbit/sec) long-haul network centered around its six supercomputer centers (Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center ) and regional networks, 10^4 computers

• 1987 - 1990: Regional networks growing, traffic increasing 15% month, other networks: NSI (NASA), ESNet (DOE), DARTNet & TWBNet (DARPA), connected via FIXs, 10^3 networks, 10^5 computers

• 1990 - 1992: NSFNET moves to T3 (45Mbit/sec) backbone, MERIT operates backbone in conjunction with ANS, MCI, IBM, 16 mid-level networks

• 1992 - 1993: NSF Solicitation for NAPs, RA, vBNS

• 1994: NAP, RA contracts awarded, NSF backbone service being connected to NAPs, RA service begins

• 1995: NAP connections complete, April 30th - NSFNET Backbone service terminated, 4 NAPs and RA operational, 10^4 networks, 10^6 computers

For additional information, see the Merit Home Page.

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