Internet - A new world in the network of networks

The networking of computers around the world began in 1969 with four network nodes at universities in California and Utah. In the meantime, this former research network for just a few experts has turned into a global communication network of over 40 million computers - a network of distributed computer networks that is growing rapidly and branching out all the time.

 

In the 21st century, the Internet will evolve into the most important infrastructure of our global society, and will fundamentally change almost all areas of life and work. But what does the Internet actually look like? First, there is the hardware consisting of millions of computers known as routers, servers and clients, which are connected by a worldwide network of copper and fibre optic cables, as well as terrestrial and satellite radio links. Second, there is multi-layer software named TCP/IP, which automatically moves data packets from the sender to the recipient. And, thirdly, there are countless audiovisual information windows that are interconnected by hyperlinks. They open a universal information area across all geographical and cultural borders - cyberspace.

At HNF, the pages floating above the globe on the Internet wall are intended to give an impression of the amazing amount and variety of information in cyberspace. The "Global network" computer animation and the picture boards on the left of the section provide answers to the question "What is the Internet?".

 

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