ICOM6012 Topic 1 Overview

ICOM6012 Internet Infrastructure Technologies

Topic 1 Overview

Internet’s Birthday: Sept. 2 or Oct. 29, 1969.

• ARPANET (1969 -)
  • TCP protocol in 1974
  • “Internet = Internetworking”
• NSFNET (1986 -)
• The Internet (late 1980s)

Some Interesting Topics about Internet (More than Technical)

• Who controls the Internet?
• What is Net Neutrality?
• A TikTok Ban Is Overdue
• Zoom’s stock surges 41% after earnings beat, adding over $37 billion in market cap

Evolution of Computers

• Mainframe
• Mini-Computer
• Workstation
• Personal Computer
• Laptop
• Smart Phone
• mm-scale sensors

Semiconductors in Computers

• Transistor: a semiconductor device used to amplify or switch electronic signals and electrical power.

• IC: a set of electronic circuits on a small flat piece (“chip”) of semiconductor. Makes extensive use of transistors.

Electronic circuit: Processing (Computing), DC

Electrical circuit: Powering, AC

Integrated Circuit

• General purpose, microprocessors from Intel
• Application-specific, or ASIC, Apple-designed Processors

To Make an IC

• Design
• Fabrication (fabrication plants/factories, “foundries” or “fabs”)

“Fabless” Chipmakers

• Design and sells chips but outsources the fabrication
• Create significant savings for fabless companies

Gordon Moore: Intel Founder