Networks Now and Future From Ethernet to Interplanetary Networks

Basics of networks Computers can talk to each other when connected together. Can send files, log on, chat, send video, audio, and much more. Can connect in lots of ways. Different networks can be connected together: The Internet.

Traditional wired nets Some kind of wire connects one machine to another. Can be copper (normal wire). Can be fibre optic. Doesn’t have to be internet: Windows Networking, appletalk, and way more. Wire can be short, or can go for very long distances. Especially if it’s fibre.

Global networking: TCP/IP and ATM Internetworking: connecting one network to another to get a “network of networks” TCP/IP, aka “The Internet”, is based on bouncing “packets” around the world, each one finding its’ own route from one place to another. Rather random, but simple. ATM, asynchronous transfer mode, based on sending “cells” around the world. Route determined, like a phone line. Better quality.

Routing, nameservers, and all that The packets need to get somewhere. Internet has addresses: ATM has “connections” and addresses. Routers move Internet packets around from one network to another. Switches move ATM cells between links. Like telephone switches. Nameservers let us know an address, tharsis.polylab.sfu.ca, from the number.

Mobile nets, wireless nets Can transmit digital (ones and zeroes) information via radio waves. Can bounce those radio waves from place to place via repeaters, like amplifiers. Can transmit anything, including TCP/IP (Internet) and ATM. Can connect the radio networks to the Internet. Can move around, and be on the net

E-commerce World used to be business via meetings, or via paper. These days we send everything, including money, via the network. In Europe, cash is vanishing. Netherlands: folks use smart cards instead of it. Used to be push-based world: business came looking for you. Now pull-based: you, the prosumer, go find what you want.

M-commerce Wireless nets let you be on the net anywhere E-commerce lets you do business, buy or sell, anywhere on the network. M-commerce: convergence of the two. You can access everything you want from wireless connections.

Cellphones, networks everywhere Cell networks: network of networks, like the internet. Wireless, can support data. Wireless web: access to your services from the cellphone. Will grow into a wide range of digital wireless services and devices available anywhere. Wireless networks to rule within 2 years.

Wandering around the network You used to have to physically set up your computer as you moved from one local network to another. Now you’ll have the Next Generation Internet (IPv6). Network will follow YOU around, over spacelinks, over radio links, over your home connection. Always “at home” or “at work”, as you choose.

Using spacecraft to talk Can’t get wires or radios everywhere. Can talk to a spacecraft, and bounce the radio signal that way. Can have one big spacecraft, far away, or lots close up: Iridium, GlobalStar, Teledesic. Can provide network services for an entire half of the planet. Can be very cheap. Even your radio may use a satellite!

Talking on another planet Wireless technology can be deployed anywhere Go to another planet, like the Moon or Mars –Put down a wireless network –Put down routers –Put radio gear on the spacecraft, on the spacesuit, on the robots, on the rovers Martian Internet!

Talking TO another planet Can send a radio wave from Earth to Mars and back Can build a network connection on that: just a big wireless net! Can make it REAL fast using lasers. Big network delays though. Who wants to chat with a doctor, customer service agent, SO who takes 40 minutes to answer?

Communicating with remote places Without a network, you could well be on another planet. Can use space connections to anywhere in the world. Who pays for them? Other, cheaper solutions, but long delays. Wireless nets cut down the cost. India: space comms, wireless systems, major engineering expertise. Canada?

Communicating in emergencies Need to go somewhere we’ve never gone Set up a network Quickly People could die without it Sound familiar?

What’s appropriate? Network needed. Normal internet good? Do we need fast connections? If we do, how to we get them? Can we scale the network, from cellphones to broadband. Voice, maybe?

Project ideas ASI project proposals! Need help in community work: Arctic, Africa, Northern BC. M-commerce surveys. Wireless web surveys. YOU name it.

Project ideas? WAP/WML/Wireless: M-commerce: Rick, Celine, Trinh, Rose, Tamara, Irene, Denise, Alanna, Joni, Chris, Mike, Chirag, Harold Arctic (ESA): Peter, Cecilia, David, Alanna, Chirag, Julia Space links: Peter, East meets west: Shawna, Celine Wireless/voice: Shawna, Celine, Joni, Eric Environmental monitoring: David

More ideas New media growth/alternate media: David Empower (ESA too), NGO: Chaw, Chirag, Trish, Julia Dangers: Mike, Chris, Trinh, Chirag, Harold Global commodity exchange: Trish, Julia Technology transfer: Eric