Explain the evolution of the Internet from its origins to the modern-day global network. What major technological advancements contributed to its growth?

The internet began as a research project in the 1960s called ARPANET, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense. ARPANET aimed to create a resilient communication network that could withstand interruptions from potential nuclear attacks. By the late 1980s, the internet grew in scope and reached commercial use. The key technological advancements that contributed to its growth include:

  • TCP/IP Protocol: The development of the TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) in the 1970s allowed different networks to communicate with one another, laying the foundation for the modern internet.
  • World Wide Web: In 1989, Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web (WWW), revolutionizing how people accessed and shared information. It made the internet more user-friendly through browsers and web pages.
  • Broadband and Wireless Connectivity: The expansion of high-speed internet through broadband connections and wireless technologies like Wi-Fi and 4G/5G cellular networks enabled faster, more accessible internet access globally.

As the internet evolved, it expanded its functionality to include cloud computing, social media, streaming services, and IoT (Internet of Things), transforming every aspect of society from education and business to entertainment and communication.

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  2. Explain the characteristics and potential challenges associated with fifth-generation computers that aim to understand natural languages and possess thinking capabilities. What are the implications of such advancements in computing on society?
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  5. Discuss the advantages and limitations of different network topologies including bus, star, ring, and mesh. When should each topology be used in a network design?
  6. What is the OSI model, and how does it help in understanding the process of data communication? Explain each of the seven layers and their functions.
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  13. Define simplex, half-duplex, and full-duplex modes of communication with one example each.
  14. What are start and stop bits, and where are they used in data transmission?
  15. How does a switch differ from a hub in a network?
  16. How does asynchronous transmission differ from synchronous transmission, and in what situations are they typically used?
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  18. Compare and contrast the star and ring network topologies.
  19. Why is mesh topology considered the most reliable but also the most expensive to implement?
  20. What is the role of the Application Layer in the OSI model?