[maryz]

'data packet switching' began with DARPA.

I heard years ago that DARPA bought the data packet switching idea from someone, I think a university professor.

[mkjessup]

I heard years ago that DARPA bought the data packet switching idea from someone, I think a university professor.

I remember hearing something like that myself, but the name eludes me, while I'm thinking of it however, I would put in a plug for a fantastic book (that admittedly some may already have read) 'The Soul of a New Machine' by Tracy Kidder (1981), it details the development of the Data General 'Eagle' mini computer, and it falls into the category of "can't put it down" until you finish it. An excellent read.

[P.O.E.]

The idea of packet switching came from Rand Corp.

Let’s also not forget long-distance signaling, the transistor, and microwaves from Ma Bell (as well as Bell Labs’ Unix)