|
| Evolution of Local Area Networks |
| The LAN concept began with the development of distributive
processing in the 1970s. The first process was to connect two identical
computers in the same building, resulting in a point-to-point network. Once
the advantages of distributive processing were realized, computer networking
proliferated at a rapid pace. Multipoint, star, and ring networks soon began
revolutionizing the data communication field. One of the early major developments was the U.S. Department of Defense's long distance private packet-witching network, ARPANET, in the late 1960s. During the 1970s the use of versatile and relatively inexpensive mini/microcomputers became firmly established. From office desktops to factory floors, computing power was placed where the network was being performed. Soon the need arose for applications users to share files, programs, and storage and peripheral devices, such as printer scanners etc. The development of a commercial LAN began at Xerox's Palo Alto Research Center in 1972 and was publicly announced as Ethernet in 1979. |
| Back to Subjects. | Next Subjects. |