Internet Timeline

The following time line helps to understand the development of the Internet.

1969:
ARPAnet was commissioned by the Department of Defense.
1974: TCP was specified.
1978: TCP was split from IP.
1983:

The world's first name server was deployed at the University of Wisconsin. Users were no longer required to know the exact path to other systems. Desktops with IP software began to be widely deployed.

1986:
NSFnet was created by the National Science Foundation. Its backbone speed was 56kbps.
1990: ARPAnet disappeared.
1991:
The World Wide Web was released.
1994:
Internet shopping malls were introduced, and radio stations began broadcasting over the Net.
1996:
Internet2 was officially created.
1999:

IBM became the first corporate partner with Internet2 access.
Internet2's Abilene network reached across the Atlantic Ocean to NORDUnet and SURFnet.
Napster, a music file-sharing service, launched.

2000:

A massive denial-of-service attack occured against major Web sites, including Yahoo, Amazon.com, and eBay. Internet2 began deploying some IPv6 technology.

2001:
The first high schools gained access to Internet2. Napster suspended service due to legal threats.
2002:
Internet2's Abilene network deployed native IPv6.
2003:
,

The last Abilene link upgraded to 10gbps. The first National LambdaRail link was lit. The recording industry sued 261 individuals for illegally distributing copyright music.

2004:
The first phase of the National LambdaRail infrastructure was completed.
Source: Hobbes' Internet time line
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Updated on ... June 18, 2008