Reborn Tech Maniac

Chapter 459 Routers and the Internet (continued)
The existence of routers is to provide two important mechanisms of routing and forwarding to connect two or more different networks.

Its concept has existed for a long time. For example, it is called an interface information processor in ARPAnet, and a multifunctional small computer plays this role.

And like Tang Huan, it is the first in the market to launch a full-time router in the form of a separate mainframe box equipped with several interfaces.

In fact, this NWS 500 router is essentially a computer without input and output devices such as a keyboard, mouse, and monitor. It is equipped with a 20 MHz RISC architecture processor Holder-L and a 1 MB main memory , and other special chips optimized for routing and forwarding mechanisms.

However, the research and development of routers is by no means just a matter of modifying the existing computers and everything will be fine. Aspects such as communication protocol support, routing table algorithms, etc. are all groundbreaking projects.

Fortunately, although the current Internet development situation is full of flowers, it is not too complicated to get started. As long as Tang Huan finds a suitable entry point, he can join the new gold industry.

……

Seeing that the time was almost up, Tang Huan stepped onto the stage, looked around at the crowd and said with a smile: "I guess the concept of a router is much more obscure than that of a personal computer, so before the official introduction, let's chat casually with everyone, what's the problem?" , even if it is brought up on the spot.”

Someone immediately pointed to the LOGO behind Tang Huan that resembled the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and asked: "Tang, do you attach great importance to the router product? Set up a company to operate it."

"Of course." Tang Huan nodded solemnly, raised his hand and introduced: "Net World System, Inc. - the CEO of NW System Company will be served by Robert Metcalfe, the founder of 3COM. He is a An expert who truly understands computer networking.”

After Robert Metcalfe smiled, a reporter from a professional computer magazine asked curiously, "We all know that the technology and products promoted by 3COM are Ethernet. Does that mean that the NWS 500 router supports the communication between Ethernets?" What about the internet?"

"More than that." Tang Huan explained with emphasis: "To be precise, the NWS 500 router supports TCP/IP network. Currently, there is no problem connecting Ethernet to ARPAnet. But other network types, such as IBM's token ring network , and CSNET, CDnet, BITNET, NSFnet and other networks, as long as TCP/IP is realized, the NWS 500 router also supports the interconnection between them. Moreover, the NWS 500 router supports software system upgrade services to adapt to the ever-changing development of network technology. "

Tang Huan stretched out two fingers, "In my opinion, as long as there are TCP/IP and NWS 500 routers, nodes scattered in universities all over the United States, even including nodes in European universities, can be connected into a resource-sharing whole. "

Tang Huan picked up the product manual again and shook it, "So far, TCP/IP has developed four versions in total: v1, v2, v3, and the most stable v4. In 1975, TCP/IP between two networks /IP communication was tested between Stanford University and the University of London. In November 1977, a TCP/IP test between the three networks was carried out between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Norway. It can be said that all parties invested in TCP/IP A lot of practical and effective verification work has been carried out. Based on these, the NWS 11 router supports the v500 version of TCP/IP. In addition, Vientiane running on Fangyuan servers and workstations, and FreeDOS running on Fangyuan personal computers, will This year, support for TCP/IP v4 will be implemented at the operating system level."

With the vigorous development of the IT industry, there are more and more professional media and reporters.

When Tang Huan mentioned the operating system, a reporter asked right away: "After AT&T was forced to dismantle by the Department of Justice, as compensation, it got a license to enter the computer field, and it is also developing Operations in this area, for example, have begun to tighten the Unix license from Bell Labs, prohibiting universities from using Unix source code, even including learning in lectures. As an advanced operating system that also supports multi-tasking and multi-user, Vientiane’s Will the licensing strategy change? Will Vientiane compete fiercely with Unix in the future?"

"We have noticed this situation. As far as I am concerned, I am willing to support free licensing for the purpose of education. But from the perspective of a commercial company, in practice, the situation encountered is more complicated, and careful research is needed .”

Tang Huan pondered and replied, "As for the competition, besides the official version of AT&T Unix, there are several other versions including Berkeley's BSD UNIX, and I believe there will still be more variants. So competition is inevitable, but not necessarily with AT&T."

"Tang, I am using services such as Pacific BBS, Exchange mail system, and even play EA's online game MUD from time to time." A reporter who still had a lot of acne on his face asked enthusiastically, "What if the United States What will it look like if all the networks are connected together? Will the usage cost be reduced? Are the services you are currently providing profitable?"

"Thank you for supporting our products." Tang Huan smiled and shrugged, "To be honest, I also think that the current method of connecting to the Internet through the telephone public switched network is a bit expensive, but this is limited by objective conditions. I will Let me tell you a business secret, Pacific BBS, Exchange mail system, and EA's MUD are not profitable yet. We are exploring the way for other peers."

Amidst the roar of laughter, Tang Huan continued: "I believe that with the interconnection and development of various networks, the cost of use will definitely be reduced, and the services that can be provided will also be more diversified, such as BBS and MUD. Form a virtual community that is closer to reality."

……

After Tang Huan completed the interesting and detailed communication session, Robert Metcalfe, David Boggs, Radia Perlman and others began to introduce the NWS 500 router, which opens the Internet, from a technical point of view. Brand new products of the era.

The reporters in the audience kept recording.Undoubtedly, these contents will become the most important reports in various professional magazines, and they will cheer for Tang Huan's layout.

(End of this chapter)