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Wed, 21 Jan 2004

Crazy Idea: Electronicless Internet

I propose an interesting question, try not to lose your lunch, but: Could the concept of the Internet be created in pre-electronic days?

I define the "concept of the internet" being any system, automated, which allows the communication of multiple end terminals to a centralized network of servers. The system would not be limited or expected to be any particular size. It could function only in the confines of a building or room, or stretch for miles.

Two applications would need to be deployed for basic productivity:

  • WWW: An editable "bulletin board" or retrivable database that can be edited, using a basic markup language. It could be text based like lynx.

  • Chat: Some sort of two-way real-time chat communication system

    This system would obviously be based off of some mechcanical means. Such a system wouldn't need to be based off of any elaborate protocols, but be able to serve information between various hosts in an effective matter.

    Modes of serial/parallel data communication:

  • Electrical Impulse: Transmission of electrical impulse via wire. This system is similar to telegraph and ticketer systems employed in years past. However, relay stations would need to be automated with some means. This system could only use electrical impulses as a form of communication, with very limited components such as batteries, electromechanical systems such a primative relay, switches, etc. More points to the person who didnt use this mode.

  • Hydrolic/Fluid Systems: This system would use hydrolic methods (water, tubing, etc) to transport information from one point to the other.

  • Mechcanical Linkage: Development of a mechcanical linkage system, similar to bicycle linkage.

  • Other Systems: This would be open to other systems, as long as they were mechcanically oriented, and did not use any marvels of radio or electronics.

    Modes of Display:

    The display device would display information downloaded. There would be no requirements to store data, and the display method is welcome to have significant impact on protocol design.

  • Mechcanical: Some sort of system that uses mechcanical means to rotate symbols and display on a screen. Can make use of some lighting system.

  • Other Systems: As long as it's not a CRT, anything is game. While paper printout is less than ideal for a mode of display, this is acceptable.

    Modes of Information Storage

    There are no limits to how many pages or files this system needs to store. We will set this at a soft limit of at least 5 pages, so some sort of browsing experience is created.

  • Punch Paper Reels: This system would be able to read some sort of punched data and translate them into a form of communication for the requesting host. This would work im similar function to one of those self playing pianos. This file system can be read only, but a read/write system could be devised. Everytime a new revision of the record is created, the "file" could be bunched out to "all 1's", nulling out that position of the reel.

  • Other Systems: Any storage system, mechcanical or likewise, that does not use the magnetic marvels of today. Use your best judgement.

    Modes of Input

  • Keyboard: Some sort of keyboard system that allows the editing of a "web page", facilitate the two way communication between two parties, and offer some sort of control. Electricity and switches are permitted, as long as they are in good faith to the concept.

  • Other Systems: Any other input devices are fine, as long as they do not violate the basic concept of this project.

    Other Stuff

    I guess thats ok for now ...

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