Historical Encyclopedia
The history of the Internet begins in the 1960s when scientists and engineers started to realize the need for a network capable of connecting computers and transmitting data over long distances. This period marked an evolutionary stage in the development of communication technologies and computing systems.
In the 1960s, the world was on the brink of a technological revolution. Computers were becoming more accessible and powerful, and researchers were looking for ways to integrate them into everyday life. The second half of the decade witnessed the flourishing of scientific and technological progress, and several projects aimed at creating networks for information exchange began to gain popularity.
One of the first and most significant projects was launched in 1969 under the name ARPANET. The creation of ARPANET became possible thanks to funding from the Advanced Research Projects Agency of the U.S. Department of Defense (DARPA). The main goal of ARPANET was to connect various universities and research institutions to facilitate data exchange and remote access to computing resources.
From the very beginning of ARPANET's development, it was decided to use packet switching technology, which allowed information to be broken down into small blocks or packets, significantly increasing the speed and efficiency of data transmission. This decision became the foundation for future protocols and architecture of the Internet.
In 1970, Vint Cerf and Robert Kahn developed the TCP/IP protocol, which subsequently became the standard for all networks. This protocol combined data transmission functions and connection management, opening new horizons for the network, allowing different types of computers and networks to exchange information.
Over time, ARPANET grew and expanded, with new universities and research institutions joining. By the early 1980s, the network included more than 200 nodes. During this period, developed protocols and standards such as FTP and Email became the main means of communication and data transmission on the network.
In 1983, ARPANET was officially split into two networks: one for scientific and research purposes, and the other for military needs. This step became a turning point that predetermined the further development of the Internet.
Despite the successes of ARPANET and other networks, the need for a user-friendly interface continued to grow. In 1989, Tim Berners-Lee proposed the concept of the World Wide Web, which became revolutionary for the development of the Internet. He developed a system that allowed users to access documents and resources through hypertext links, making information more accessible and easier to navigate.
The launch of the first web browser in 1990 was the next step towards popularizing the Internet among a wide audience. This concept of the "web" quickly attracted attention and brought revolutionary changes in the way people accessed information and communicated with each other.
Since the early 1990s, the Internet began to develop actively and extend beyond scientific and military circles. This led to more people around the world gaining access to the network. Communication, work, entertainment, and even education began to transform in response to the opportunities provided by the Internet.
The era of ALT (alternative local television) and the first browsers, such as Netscape Navigator, led to a boom in the World Wide Web and created numerous new industries, including e-commerce, internet marketing, and social networking.
The history of the Internet goes through a series of key stages, from ARPANET to the development of the World Wide Web. It reflects not only technological progress but also its comprehensive impact on society, culture, and the economy. Today, the Internet has become an integral part of our lives, affecting all its aspects—from communication to business, education, and entertainment. The success of the Internet lies in its ability to connect people and provide access to information that was once thought to be inaccessible.