Computer Networks Technologies: History, Present and Future

Computer Networks Technologies 1
Author
Professor
University
City, State
Date

Computer Networks Technologies 2
The infrastructure of a network is influenced by the decisions made during network design and
implementation. The implementation methods of networking change with time because networking is a
dynamic technological development. This report discusses the history, present and future of computer
networks. The design aspects including the different network models are well illustrated. The
technologies used in networking are explained. The main internet protocols, their advantages and
disadvantages are discussed. Changes in internet speeds over time are also discussed.
History
A computer network is a system that allows communication of systems or workstations that are
interconnected. Computer networking started with ARPANET in the early 1970s. The ARPANET design
was based on packet switching for effective resource sharing. The design introduced protocol layering.
The design had three layers. The network layer included switch-to-switch and network access layers. In
function oriented protocol, file transfer and mail services were among the applications provided and the
host-to-host layer [1].
Another protocol layer had to be added to the hierarchy to accommodate the increasing
interconnectivity. This led to the invention of the Internet Protocol and the Transmission Control
Protocol (TCP/IP). Increased demand for interoperability led to the invention of the Open Systems
Interconnection (ISO). The TCP/IP protocol was adopted by UNIX operating systems. However, the OSI
architecture has become dominant because of its inability to satisfy the interoperability demands of
systems [1].
Feature OSI TCP/IP
layers It has seven layers. Application, presentation,
session, transport, network and data-link layers
It has four layers. Application,
transport, internet and network
access layer.
independency It is protocol independent It is protocol dependent
Protocol
replacement
Protocols can be replaced with changes in
technology
Protocols cannot be replaced
easily
Connectivity
services
The network layer provides connectionless and
connection oriented services
The network layer provides
connectionless services.
implementation It is a reference model on which networks are
built
It is an implementation of the
OSI model

Computer Networks Technologies 3
Packet delivery The transport layer guarantees packet delivery The layer does not guarantee
packet delivery
communication It is a communication gateway between a user
and the network
It is a communication protocol
that connects network hosts
Figure 1 Differences between OSI and TCP/IP
year technology
1995 windows
1996 – rise of the digital age Javasoft products and services
1998 Incorporation of google
2002 Microsoft.net
2004 facebook
2006- referred to as the mobility age Blueray disk
2007 Smart phones
2009 3D printers
2013 Digital clocks
2014 automation
Figure 2 Technological innovations
Douglas Engelbart invented the mouse in 1964. It had a shell made of wood, a circuit board and
two wheels made of metal. Later the “ball mouse” was invented. This mouse was used in the Xerox Alto.
The optical mouse was invented in 1980. The type writer was the first keyboard layout invented. The
fast typing speed of writers led to the invention of the QWERTY keyboard in order to slow them down
[2].