NSFNET

Definition

NSFNET was a national backbone network funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in the United States during the 1980s and early 1990s, serving as a crucial part of the early development of the Internet. It connected various regional networks, facilitating academic and research communication, and played a key role in transitioning from a primarily research-based network to a more commercialized Internet infrastructure.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. NSFNET was established in 1985 and initially connected five supercomputing centers across the United States, greatly enhancing research collaboration.
2. The network utilized a high-speed backbone that operated at 56 Kbps, which was significantly faster than most existing networks at that time.
3. By 1990, NSFNET had grown to support connections for thousands of academic institutions and provided a crucial link for commercial networks.
4. The transition of NSFNET to a commercial entity in 1995 marked a significant shift towards the privatization of the Internet, allowing for broader access and innovation.
5. NSFNET's architecture and protocols laid the groundwork for many aspects of today’s Internet, including the adoption of TCP/IP as the standard networking protocol.

Review Questions

• How did NSFNET contribute to the expansion and development of Internet technologies?
  • NSFNET significantly contributed to the expansion of Internet technologies by providing a high-speed backbone that connected numerous regional networks and institutions across the country. This facilitated greater collaboration among researchers and allowed for widespread sharing of resources and information. The implementation of TCP/IP protocols within NSFNET set standards that would become foundational for future Internet architecture, helping to promote compatibility across diverse systems.
• Evaluate the impact of NSFNET's transition from a government-funded network to a commercialized entity on Internet accessibility.
  • The transition of NSFNET to a commercialized entity in 1995 had a profound impact on Internet accessibility by opening up network services to private companies and consumers. This shift allowed for rapid expansion of Internet infrastructure as competition among service providers drove down prices and improved services. As a result, more people gained access to the Internet, which led to significant growth in usage and innovation across various sectors.
• Analyze how NSFNET influenced the establishment of modern Internet governance and standards.
  • NSFNET played a pivotal role in shaping modern Internet governance and standards by establishing frameworks for connectivity and data exchange that prioritized open access and interoperability. As it transitioned from a federally funded project to a commercial network, it set precedents for self-governance within the Internet community. The successful implementation of TCP/IP protocols under NSFNET also fostered collaboration among different organizations, leading to the formation of groups like the Internet Society, which now oversees much of today's Internet standards and policies.

Related terms

ARPANET: The precursor to the modern Internet, ARPANET was developed by the U.S. Department of Defense and was the first network to implement packet switching technology.

TCP/IP: Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol is the fundamental communication protocol suite that enables data exchange over the Internet and was implemented in NSFNET.

Internet Society: A non-profit organization founded to provide leadership in Internet-related standards, education, and policy, emerging as the Internet expanded beyond NSFNET.