THE EVOLUTION OF THE INTERNET: THE ARPANET TO THE WORLD WIDE WEB

Abstract

This article traces the remarkable evolution of the Internet from its inception with the ARPANET in the early 1960s to the global platform we know today as the World Wide Web. The ARPANET, initially conceived as a secure means of communication for military and academic institutions during the Cold War, faced numerous challenges that ultimately led to groundbreaking innovations. Packet switching, time-sharing, and the Interface Message Processor were pivotal developments that formed the foundation of reliable data transmission. The layering of technologies, including Ethernet, TCP/IP protocol, and DNS, revolutionized network access and interoperability. User feedback played a crucial role in the transition from complex site access to user-friendly emailing, marking a shift from developer-driven technology to user-centric design. The emergence of commercial networks further democratized Internet access, making it available to a wider audience. The National Science Foundation Network and regional networks played a pivotal role in expanding Internet connectivity, eventually leading to the privatization of the Internet. The transformative impact of the World Wide Web revolutionized information access through hyperlinks and easy navigation. The Internet evolved from a military and academic network into a global platform for communication, commerce, and information exchange, fundamentally reshaping the way we live and interact in the digital age.