Evolution of

Computer
Networks

Presented by:
Kavana T S
Nisarga S Gouda
Sourabh S
Introduction:
 The evolution of computer networks is a journey that
spans several decades, marked by significant
technological advancements and paradigm shifts. Here's
an overview of the key stages in the development of
computer networks:
1. Early Networks and ARPANET (1960s-
1970s).
2. Local Area Networks (LANs) and Ethernet
(1970s-1980s).
3. The Internet and Standardization (1980s-
1990s).
4. The World Wide Web and Commercialization
(1990s).
 1.Early Networks and
ARPANET(1960s-1970s)
 Mainframe Computers: In the early days, computers were
large mainframe systems that were not interconnected. Users
accessed these machines via dumb terminals.

 ARPANET: The Advanced Research Projects Agency Network

(ARPANET), developed in the late 1960s. Funded by the U.S.
Department of Defense, it was designed to facilitate
communication between research institutions and government
entities. ARPANET implemented packet switching, a
groundbreaking technology that splits data into packets for
transmission.

 Protocols: The development of network protocols began with

the Network Control Protocol (NCP) and later the Transmission
Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), which became the
standard for network communication.
Fig 1: ARPANET (1972)
Advantages:
 Innovation in Communication: ARPANET introduced packet switching,
improving data transmission efficiency.
 Collaboration: Enabled researchers to share data and resources over
long distances.
 Foundation for Future Networks: Set the stage for the development of
more sophisticated networks.

Disadvantages:
 Limited Accessibility: Initially restricted to select academic and
government institutions.

 High Costs: Early network infrastructure and maintenance were

expensive.

 Complex Setup: Required significant expertise to implement and

manage.
 2. Local Area Networks (LANs) and
Ethernet (1970s-1980s)
 LANs: As computing became more distributed, the need for
connecting computers within a local area, such as an office building,
led to the development of Local Area Networks (LANs). LANs allowed
multiple computers to share resources and data.
 Ethernet: Developed by Robert Metcalfe and his team at Xerox
PARC in the 1970s, Ethernet became the dominant LAN technology
due to its simplicity and robustness. It used coaxial cables and later
twisted pair wiring to connect computers within a network.
Fig 2 LOCAL AREA NETWORK
Advantages:
 Resource Sharing: Facilitated sharing of printers, files, and other
resources within organizations.
 Increased Efficiency: Improved communication and collaboration in
workplaces.
 Cost-Effective: Ethernet's simplicity reduced the cost of network
deployment.

Disadvantages:
 Limited Range: LANs were restricted to small geographical areas.

 Cable Management: Early Ethernet required extensive cabling,

which could be cumbersome.

 Scalability Issues: As networks grew, maintaining efficiency and

performance became challenging.
 3. The Internet and
Standardization (1980s-1990s)
 TCP/IP Adoption: The adoption of the TCP/IP protocol suite in
the 1980s was crucial for the growth of the internet. It provided
a standardized method for different networks to communicate.

 DNS and Email: The Domain Name System (DNS) was

introduced to map human-friendly domain names to IP
addresses. Email became one of the first widely used internet
applications, revolutionizing communication.

 NSFNET: The National Science Foundation Network (NSFNET) in

the mid-1980s expanded ARPANET's reach to more academic
institutions, eventually becoming the backbone of the early
internet.
Fig 3: The Internet
Advantages:
 Global Connectivity: The TCP/IP protocol enabled different networks to
interconnect globally.
 Standard Protocols: Standardization facilitated interoperability and
innovation.
 Growth of Email and Web: Email and the World Wide Web
revolutionized communication and information access.

Disadvantages:
 Security Risks: The open nature of the internet introduced
vulnerabilities and the need for cybersecurity measures.

 Digital Divide: Access to the internet was uneven, leading to

disparities in information access.

 Reliability Issues: Early internet infrastructure sometimes

struggled with reliability and speed.
 4. The World Wide Web and
Commercialization (1990s)
 World Wide Web: Invented by Tim Berners-Lee in 1989, the
World Wide Web (WWW) transformed the internet by enabling
easy access to multimedia content through web browsers. HTML,
HTTP, and web browsers like Mosaic and Netscape Navigator
facilitated widespread use.

 Commercialization: The 1990s saw the internet's transition

from a primarily academic and government tool to a
commercialized entity. Companies began to build online
businesses, and ISPs (Internet Service Providers) emerged,
providing internet access to the general public.
Advantages:
 Information Accessibility: The web made vast amounts of information
easily accessible to the public.
 Economic Opportunities: Spurred the growth of e-commerce and new
business models.
 User-Friendly Interfaces: Web browsers simplified internet usage,
broadening the user base.

Disadvantages:
 Privacy Concerns: Increased data collection by companies raised
privacy issues.

 Internet Congestion: Rapid growth led to periods of network

congestion and slowdowns.

 Digital Inequality: Not everyone had equal access to the internet,

exacerbating the digital divide.
 5. Broadband and Wireless
Networks (2000s)
 Broadband Internet: The early 2000s saw the proliferation of
broadband internet connections, including DSL, cable, and fiber
optics. These technologies offered significantly higher speeds
than dial-up connections, enabling more complex applications
and services.

Fig4 :Single line communication

Wireless Networks: Wi-Fi technology, based on the IEEE
802.11 standards, became widespread, allowing for wireless
internet access in homes, offices, and public spaces. Cellular
networks also evolved from 2G to 3G and 4G, facilitating mobile
internet access.
Advantages:
 High-Speed Access: Broadband provided faster internet speeds,
enabling more complex applications.
 Mobility: Wireless networks (Wi-Fi and cellular) allowed for mobile
internet access.

Disadvantages:
 Infrastructure Costs: Upgrading to broadband and wireless
technologies required significant investment.

 Security Vulnerabilities: Wireless networks introduced new

security challenges, such as Wi-Fi hacking.

 Digital Divide: Broadband access remained uneven, particularly in

rural and underserved areas.
 6. Modern Networks and Future
Trends (2010s-Present)
 Cloud Computing: Cloud services, provided by companies like
Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, shifted computing and storage
from local machines to remote data centers, accessible via the
internet.

 Internet of Things (IoT): The IoT paradigm connects a wide

array of devices, from home appliances to industrial sensors, to
the internet, enabling smart environments.

 5G and Beyond: The rollout of 5G networks promises ultra-fast,

low-latency connections, supporting advanced applications such
as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and autonomous
vehicles.

 Cybersecurity: As networks have grown, so have the

challenges related to cybersecurity. Efforts to secure data and
Fig 5: Cloud Computing models
Advantages:
 Cloud Computing: Offers scalable, flexible, and cost-effective
computing resources.
 IoT Integration: Connects diverse devices, enabling smart homes,
cities, and industries.
 5G Networks: Provides ultra-fast, low-latency connections, supporting
advanced technologies like AR and VR.

Disadvantages:
 Complex Security Issues: Increased connectivity and data
collection heighten cybersecurity and privacy concerns.

 Infrastructure Challenges: Deploying 5G and maintaining IoT

networks require substantial infrastructure investments.

 Digital Inequality: Despite advancements, access to the latest

technologies remains unequal globally.
Thank you