Before TCP/IP
Vladas Leonas, Sorin Toma · 2025
In this chapter, the author delves into the evolution of communication methods leading up to the development of TCP/IP. It begins with ancient communication techniques like drums and smoke signals, progressing to the optical telegraph system developed in France in the late 18th century. This chapter then explores the advent of electrical telegraphy in the 19 th century, highlighting key inventions such as the Cooke and Wheatstone telegraph and Morse&s;s electromagnetic telegraph. It also covers the significant contributions of inventors like Alessandro Volta, Samuel Morse and Alexander Graham Bell. Finally, the author concludes by discussing the transition from circuit switching, used in traditional telephony, to packet switching, which laid the groundwork for modern digital communication.