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Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021 at 1 p.m. ET

Internet2: Internet History Webinar

How the US NSFNET Regional Academic Networks Evolved to Become the Global Internet (1985 — 1995)

Join Us

Introduced by Internet2, this Internet History Webinar on Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 1 p.m. ET will feature short presentations from some of the Regional Network / ISP pioneers, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A session. Here are Zoom connection details and the password to join is 526708.

The National Science Foundation’s (NSF) NSFNET Program (partially) funded a range of (academic) regional networks1, starting in 1985/86. Over a relatively short period of time, the regional networks developed their customer base and funding models and became Internet service providers (ISPs). Connections to the Federal Internet Exchange(s) (FIXs) and the Commercial Internet eXchange(s) (CIXs) were developed, and some of the regional networks evolved to become global ISPs.

Speakers for the Internet History Webinar include:

  • Glenn Ricart, SURAnet – who will focus on the usage of the network, and the rapid escalation in demand for network services;
  • Elise Gerich, NSFNET National Backbone – who will relate some stories from the NSFnet backbone that initially connected all the regional network together;
  • Susan Estrada, CERFnet  – who will describe how the rapid commercial developments

Panel & Q&A Session:

The short talks will be followed by a panel discussion, moderated by Steve Wolff, NSF Networking Division Director (1986-1995), and a Q&A session with the opportunity for audience-submitted questions.

The webinar is scheduled to last for approximately 60 minutes. Here are Zoom connection details and the password to join is 526708.

Private Video Conferencing Session

The Internet2 Webinar will be followed by a separate private video conferencing session for invited Internet pioneers and guests.

Glenn Ricart
Glenn Ricart
Elise
Elise Gerich
Susan Estrada

1Regional Networks included:  BARRnet; CERFnet; CICNet; JVNCNet, Merit; MIDnet, NEARNET, NorthWestNet, NYSERnet, SESQUINET, SURAnet, Westnet