EUnet

EUnet (European Unix Network) was one of the largest and most important academic and research networks in Europe during the 1980s and early 1990s. It played a pivotal role in the early development and spread of the Internet in Europe.

Founded in 1982, EUnet initially connected a few universities and research institutions via UUCP (Unix-to-Unix Copy Protocol) over dial-up telephone lines. This allowed users to exchange email and Usenet news, fostering collaboration and information sharing among the European academic community.

Over time, EUnet expanded significantly, establishing connections to more institutions and eventually transitioning to using TCP/IP, the protocol suite that underpins the modern Internet. This transition was crucial in bridging the gap between the earlier UUCP-based networks and the emerging global Internet.

EUnet was instrumental in connecting European countries to the Internet backbone, often serving as the first point of contact for many organizations seeking to establish an internet presence. It also contributed significantly to the development of technical expertise and infrastructure necessary for the Internet to flourish in Europe.

In the mid-1990s, EUnet transitioned from a primarily academic network to a commercial Internet Service Provider (ISP). The original EUnet was eventually dissolved and its assets were acquired by various telecommunications companies. While the original organization no longer exists, its legacy as a pioneering force in the early European Internet remains significant.