The year 1990 marked the emergence of the first web server. The explosive growth of the World Wide Web led to networking devices like routers and switches evolving to become more sophisticated and capable, supporting faster data transfer rates and offering better management and security features. The introduction of wireless networking technologies also revolutionized the way people connect to the Internet, allowing for greater mobility and accessibility. The impact of these changes was enormous, transforming the way we communicate, work, and access information. The rise of e-commerce and online services like email and social media would not have been possible without the advancements in networking during the 1990s.
Experience the exhibits
Our exhibits can be viewed either by manufacturer, or through a timeline.
Clicking on a manufacturer will display the devices in our collection. Each device has an exhibit page with detailed information, history, photos, and videos. Some devices also have an interactive element allowing your computer to directly interact with the device over the Internet.
Browse by manufacturer:
Cisco
Cisco was widely regarded as the de facto standard for networking equipment in the 1990s. The company’s routers and switches were widely adopted by businesses, government agencies, and service providers, becoming a ubiquitous presence in modern networks.
Cyclades
Hailing from Sao Paolo, Brazil, Daniel Dallarossa and John Lima began Cyclades in the late 80s. The name originated from the early French computer network. However, they relocated to Fremont, California and developed their first product known as Cyclom-Y. This was a multiport serial card meant for computers with ISA or PCI busses. Their path […]
Livingston Enterprises
Formed in the late 80s by father-and-son Ronald and Steve Willens, Livingston Enterprises quickly became established as a major player in the terminal server landscape. The first Portmaster communications server was released in 1990, with three more versions following over the decade. Their other products included T1/E1 office routers and firewalls. In the mid-90s, Livingston […]
Xylogics
Three former NASA employees Laurence Liebson, Robert Bushkoff and Stephen Rotman began Xylogics in 1971. The company transitioned from making typesetting systems to disk drives and controllers for DEC and Sun systems. In 1988, Xylogics acquired the Annex terminal server line from Encore Computer Corp which launched their foray into remote access solutions. Bay Networks […]
Xyplex
Xyplex emerged in the 1990s as a leading provider of remote access solutions. The company’s products, such as terminal servers and remote access concentrators, enabled users to connect to networks and applications from remote locations using a variety of protocols.