AUSTPAC

AUSTPAC was a public packet-switched data network (PSDN) operating in Australia. Developed by Telecom Australia (now Telstra), it was launched in the 1980s and provided wide-area data communication services to businesses, government agencies, and other organizations. AUSTPAC allowed users to connect to remote computer systems and exchange data using the X.25 protocol. Key features included virtual circuit switching, error correction, and flow control. While primarily used for asynchronous terminal access and transaction processing, AUSTPAC played a significant role in the early development of networked services in Australia before being largely superseded by the widespread adoption of IP-based networking and the internet. Its legacy is rooted in establishing a nationwide infrastructure for data communications, paving the way for future digital connectivity.