Computers: bits & bytes

2.5 A survivable network

Centralized, decentralized and distributed networks

Baran started from three simple propositions:

• Avoid centralization – because any centralized system can be disabled by a single well-aimed strike.
• Build a distributed network of nodes, each connected to its neighbours.
• Build in a significant amount of redundancy in the interconnections (i.e. have more connections than you strictly need for normal communications).

e overall appearance is that of a net."/>

Network topologies

Now read Chapter 6, ‘Hot potatoes’, pages 95–99, of A Brief History.