Birth of the Commercial Internet

• 02 Jan 2025

Source: TT 

On 1^st January 1983, the transition from  Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET)  to Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) marked the birth of the modern Internet, revolutionizing communication globally. 

• ARPANET, the first public packet-switched computer network, was initiated during the Cold War by the US Department of Defence to ensure communication survival during potential nuclear attacks. 
  • However, the protocol governing ARPANET, known as the Network Control Protocol (NCP), became outdated by the late 1970s, unable to support the increasing complexity and diversity of interconnected networks. 
• TCP/IP, developed by Vinton Cerf and Robert Kahn, American Internet pioneers, standardized communication across diverse networks, enabling scalable and efficient data transmission. 
  • 1^st January 1983, designated as the "flag day," required all ARPANET systems to adopt TCP/IP, leading to the birth of the Internet. 
• TCP/IP enabled a "network of networks," breaking geographical, organizational, and technological barriers, allowing for global connectivity. 
  • This transition laid the foundation for future advancements, including the World Wide Web, social media, and e-commerce. 

Read more: All Things Internet