ARPANET

Definition

ARPANET, or the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network, was the first operational packet-switching network and a precursor to the modern internet, developed in the late 1960s. It was designed to enable multiple computers to communicate on a single network, allowing researchers to share data and resources more effectively. The innovative technology behind ARPANET laid the groundwork for the development of future multimedia technologies and shaped how information is exchanged today.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ARPANET was commissioned by the U.S. Department of Defense's Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) in 1969 to improve communication among research institutions.
2. The first successful message sent over ARPANET was between UCLA and Stanford Research Institute, marking a pivotal moment in networking history.
3. ARPANET utilized packet switching technology, which divided messages into smaller packets for transmission, enhancing efficiency and reliability compared to traditional circuit-switched networks.
4. By the early 1980s, ARPANET had evolved into a more complex network that included universities and research centers, eventually leading to the adoption of TCP/IP as its standard protocol.
5. The decommissioning of ARPANET in 1990 signaled the transition to the modern internet, which expanded beyond government and academic uses to encompass commercial and personal applications.

Review Questions

• How did ARPANET contribute to the development of packet-switching technology?
  • ARPANET was groundbreaking in its use of packet-switching technology, which allowed data to be broken into smaller packets for transmission over a network. This method contrasted sharply with traditional circuit-switched networks that required a dedicated connection for each communication. The success of ARPANET demonstrated that packet switching could improve efficiency and reliability, influencing future networking technologies and ultimately leading to the design of the modern internet.
• In what ways did ARPANET influence the establishment of TCP/IP as a standard protocol for network communication?
  • ARPANET's development led to a growing need for standardized communication protocols as more institutions connected to the network. This need paved the way for TCP/IP, which provided a reliable means for diverse networks to communicate. By adopting TCP/IP in 1983, ARPANET facilitated seamless data exchange between different types of networks, thus laying the foundation for what would become the modern internet infrastructure.
• Evaluate the impact of ARPANET's decommissioning on the evolution of global communications.
  • The decommissioning of ARPANET in 1990 marked a significant shift in global communications as it transitioned from a government-funded research project to a commercialized internet accessible to the public. This shift opened up vast opportunities for innovation in multimedia technologies, enabling rapid advancements in web development, social media, and digital communication. The legacy of ARPANET continues to influence how information is shared globally, fostering connectivity and collaboration across various fields.

Related terms

Packet Switching: A method of data transmission where data is broken into packets and sent over a network, allowing multiple transmissions to occur simultaneously and efficiently.

TCP/IP: Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol; a set of communication protocols that standardize how data is transmitted across networks, forming the basis of the internet.

Internet: A global network of interconnected computers that communicate using standardized protocols, enabling the sharing of information and resources across vast distances.