Aglobal network is anycommunication network that spans the entireEarth. The term, as used in this article, refers in a more restricted way tobidirectional communication networks based ontechnology. Early networks such asinternational mail and unidirectional communication networks, such asradio andtelevision, are described elsewhere.
The first global network was established usingelectrical telegraphy and global span was achieved in 1899. Thetelephony network was the second to achieve global status, in the 1950s. More recently, interconnectedIP networks (principally theInternet, with estimated 2.5 billion users worldwide in 2014[1]), and theGSMmobile communication network (with over 6 billion worldwide users in 2014) form the largest global networks of all.
Setting up global networks requires immensely costly and lengthy efforts lasting for decades. Elaborate interconnections,switching androuting devices, laying out physical carriers of information, such as land andsubmarine cables andearth stations must be set in operation. In addition, internationalcommunication protocols, legislation and agreements are involved.
Global networks might also refer to networks of individuals (such asscientists), communities (such ascities) and organizations (such ascivil organizations) worldwide which, for instance, might have formed for the management, mitigation and resolution ofglobal issues.
Communication satellites are an important part of global networks. However, there are specificlow Earth orbit (LEO) globalsatellite constellations, such asIridium,Globalstar andOrbcomm, which are comprised by dozens of similar satellites which are put in orbit at regularly spaced positions and form amesh network, sometimes sending and receiving information directly among themselves. UsingVSAT technology,satellite internet access has become possible.
It is estimated that 80% of the global mobile market uses the GSM standard, present in more than 212 countries and territories. Itsubiquity makes internationalroaming very common between mobile phone operators, enabling subscribers to use their phones in many parts of the world. In order to achieve this, these networks must be interconnected by way ofpeering arrangements, and therefore the GSM network is a truly global one.
The telegraph andtelex communication networks have been phased out, sointerconnection among existing global networks arise at several points, such as between the voicetelephony and digitaldata networks, and between these and satellite networks. Many applications run now on several networks, such asVoIP (voice over IP).Mobile communication (voice and data) networks are also intimately intertwined, because the majority of 21st centurycell phones have both voice and data (internet navigation andemailing) capabilities.
Digital global networks require huge carrying capacity in the mainbackbones. This is currently achieved byfiber-optic cables.
The CanadiansociologistMarshall McLuhan was the first to forecast the huge impact of the matrix of global networks uponsociety, coining the termglobal village. His work, however, related to radio and television networks, which arebroadcast (unidirectional) networks, thus predating the much larger impact of the internet.[2]
Global networks have revolutionized human communication several times. The first to do so was the electrical telegraph. Its impact was so large that it has been dubbed theVictorian Internet. It was expanded many times in its coverage with the advent ofradiotelegraphy, and with text messaging usingtelex machines.
The Internet and mobile communication networks have made possible entirely new forms ofsocial interaction, activities and organizing, thanks to its basic features such as widespreadusability and access, and instant communication from any connected point to another. Thus, itssocial impact has been, and still is, enormous. Finally, the impact on governance have been significant facilitating the emergence of 'transnational policy networks'[3]
