Internet of Tomorrow

How the Internet has evolved; and what the newest innovations mean for its future

The Internet and its use has become so prevalent in today’s society that people sometimes struggle with unplugging and disconnecting themselves from it, whether it’s cutting back on screen time or taking a break from social media.

To say “the Internet is everywhere” wouldn’t be an exaggeration; but that’s also how the Internet works in general.

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Look:

While we’ve become more connected than ever to each other and some of our favorite devices, the Internet is a force of advancement that isn’t going anywhere.

In fact, more and more technology is developed every day to be Wi-Fi compatible. Our cars are being synced with our smartphones, and there are thousands of apps that let us control or access our other devices remotely.

Our access to the Internet has become unparalleled and it could almost be viewed as a basic necessity for most people.

So if we always seem to have the World Wide Web at our fingertips, how could the Internet really change or improve beyond that?

What can we accomplish with the Internet that we haven’t already achieved?

Well, it’s all about increasing the speed and accessibility of the Internet.

The World’s Increase in Internet Users

With the affordability of smartphones and other computing devices, almost anyone can access the Internet.

Even young children are connecting online with tablets designed for kids. Teens are glued to their phones nearly 24/7.

It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t have access to an internet-ready device.

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But here’s the thing:

It’s not just a matter of access.

Our lifestyles have become so entwined with internet usage that it’s become more of a necessity than anything else.

From work to education, we’re expected to stay connected. Expectations of quicker, more frequent online communication has become the lay of the land for students and professionals alike.

Look at it this way…

Two-thirds of the world’s population has a mobile phone. While not all of these can access the Internet, it’s certainly an expectation that we remain connected and that we can be reached by friends, family, peers, and employers.

It’s expected that more than half the world’s population will be online by 2021.

As the number of Internet users grows worldwide, we have to consider ways in which to enhance our access and connectivity to it.

We have to make it easier to access what has become like a precious resources to us.

Internet Capable Devices

Cellphones and computers aren’t the only way we have to get online these days.

Companies like Google and Amazon have created voice-activated virtual assistants that can access the Internet for music, shopping, or general search queries.

We have home security features that can be managed through smartphone apps.

We can even program and run our coffee makers from our phones without ever leaving the bed in the morning.

Simply put:

It’s all about strengthening our connection to the Internet.

It’s not enough that more and more of us can log online every day–we have to find new ways to integrate Internet usage into our daily lives.

Why?

Convenience, for starters.

By 2025, there will be more than 75 billion internet users in the world. More than two-thirds of those users are expected to buy at least one internet-connected device for their home.

The simpler our tasks become, the more manageable they are.

Take answering our phone or sending a text message while driving:

Generally it’s frowned upon to do so as it presents a danger to yourself and to others on the road.

That’s why car manufacturers have started including software and technology that allows us to sync our phones with our cars, making “hands free” access to our cell phones–and to a greater extent, the Internet–a solution to our need for maintaining our connection with others without introducing added risk.

It’s estimated that by 2020, 90% of cars will be connected to the Internet.

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Internet capable appliances are also making larger appearances around the world.

Something like a smart oven/stove combo could be turned on, set to a desired temperature, and turned off from outside the kitchen. Not only does that sort of access to a crucial appliance help us keep our homes safe, but devices like these in restaurants are projected to offer a 15% savings in the food service industry alone.

You see, it’s not just about browsing the web when it comes to the Internet.

It’s about connectivity and ease of use.

The Age of Streaming

Streaming is another example of Internet connectivity.

Think Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, and Amazon Prime.

You can watch the latest movies, TV shows, or listen to your favorite music whether you’re at home or on your morning commute.

That means streaming was another advancement of Internet usage that addressed our need for more convenience and greater connectivity.

Since most streaming services are free or very cheap, consumers are opting for services like Netflix over traditional cable.

Currently, 75% of the world’s Internet traffic is made up of video streaming. That’s a huge portion of Internet usage that goes far beyond just answering work emails or doing research online.

What does that mean?

It means the way we use the Internet has vastly changed since it was first introduced.

The music industry is also reveling in the widespread use of music-streaming services.

About 75% of the music industry revenue comes from streaming! In fact, as Internet speeds get faster, that percentage is expected to grow.

Not only have the ways in which we benefit from the Internet changed, but the growth and addition of new “conveniences” create a demand for a faster, more reliable Internet connection.

And supposedly, that’s where 5G comes into play.

The Future is 5G

In 1991, we got our first taste of increased mobile-web connectivity with 2G.

Cell service became faster with the introduction of 3G in 2001; and today, many companies are already attempting to perfect 5G technologies.

With every generation of improvement to digital cellular networks, our ability to access the web or connect with other Internet-capable device gets faster.

As of right now, 5G has the potential to reach 10GB/second–100 times faster than 4G was.

Here’s some perspective:

2G had a maximum download speed of 0.3MB/second.

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As of right now, 5G has the potential to reach 10GB/second–100 times faster than 4G was.

Here’s some perspective:

2G had a maximum download speed of 0.3MB/second.

If you wanted to download an HD movie today from Netflix (3-4.5GB) on 2G technology, it would take roughly 6-7 hours. Compare that with even 4G speeds and the same 3GB download would only take around 5 minutes.

With the proposed capacity of 5G, people will be able to effortlessly stream movies, TV shows, and music in seconds. Not to mention file downloads and transfers or communications would also greatly improve in speed.

All of that results in more convenience and greater efficiency.

By 2024, more than 40% of the world will have access to 5G networks. It’s also estimated that 1.85 billion people will have 5G subscriptions.

Is it any wonder?

Today, we want things faster. We want instant gratification; and Internet service providers are looking to cash in on that.

The Role of Fiber Optics

In terms of direct Internet access, we’ve also improved by leaps and bounds.

Back in the days of dial-up modems, it could take minutes before you had a connection. Then came cable Internet, followed by DSL (digital subscriber line). Each of these technologies improved upon the previous one by increasing our connection speed.

Today, we have fiber optic Internet

Let’s back up a moment.

Cable Internet relied on cable TV infrastructure to transmit data. The downside to that was a loss in bandwidth as you’d probably be sharing that connection with your neighbors as well.

Fiber optic Internet on the other hand is a dedicated line, composed of light-transmitting, flexible strands of glass. That means a faster connection regardless of distance; and, no more sharing bandwidth with your neighbors.

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Not only that, but the nature of fiber optic technology makes it resistant against interference from high-voltage electrical equipment and powerlines since fiber doesn’t rely on electricity to transmit data.

Here’s what that translates to:

With fiber, there’s a reduced risk of fire and it can withstand greater temperature fluctuations, and even be submerged in water.

Add on the dedicated aspect of fiber optic Internet and you’ve got a connection that’s much more difficult to hack.

The development of fiber is huge for two reasons.

First, it’s a safer technology than its predecessors. And two: it gave us a faster, more secure connection to the Internet.

Engineers not only addressed the world’s need for faster Internet, but also invented something that was more efficient and practical.

So, fiber optic Internet wasn’t solely about convenience: it was about ingenuity and forward-thinking design.

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The Internet of Tomorrow, Today

With ever-advancing Internet compatibility of today’s devices, the introduction of 5G, and fiber optic Internet, the Internet is a driving force in our daily lives.

Internet speeds are getting faster.

We’re more connected now than ever.

Efficiency and cost-savings are rising for businesses all around the world.

If we’re not currently seeing the best the Internet can do for us, you can rest assured that there are engineers out there trying to make the next big development in Internet data transmission technology.

At the rate it’s progressed, it’s safe to assume that the Internet will continue to get faster. Our connection to it will become more secure, less invasive, and capable of transmitting higher quantities of data.

Better, stronger, faster.

It’s no Bionic Man, but the limitations of the Internet seem boundless; and that’s what you can expect from the Internet of tomorrow.

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