The Need for a New Internet

“You don’t have to replace things to make them better; the Internet will undoubtedly evolve into something more advanced.”

Do we really need a new Internet, or just an upgrade to the one we have today? First, let’s clarify what we mean by “Internet”. In general, the term refers to any interconnected network, such as those in offices, cities, or factories, which we commonly write with a lowercase  'i'. However, in this blog, I’m talking about the Internet with a capital ‘I’ – the global backbone that supports everything from email and web browsing to e-commerce, social media, entertainment, and emerging technologies like IoT (Internet of Things) and IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things).

The Internet, as we know it, is constantly evolving with new services and protocols, but its current structure will eventually struggle to meet future demands. The Internet isn’t just a single technology—it’s a concept made possible by a range of technologies. Over the years, we’ve seen internet speeds grow from Kbps (Kilobits) to multi-Gbps (Gigabits) in homes, while the core infrastructure now operates at speeds measured in Tbps (Terabits). What began as a network of a few research hubs has transformed into a global system, connecting billions of smartphones and IoT devices.

New technologies and methods, like SCION (Scalability, Control, and Isolation On Next-Generation Networks), are on the horizon. This raises the question: can the current Internet evolve to handle these advancements, or do we need an entirely new Internet? Security is at the top of many people’s minds, and the current Internet was never designed with robust security in mind. SCION is one solution that addresses this by defining isolated routing domains, which provide global connectivity while maintaining isolation from each other. This allows for full endpoint control and integrates security as a core feature. However, even SCION still relies on today’s Internet as the underlying network infrastructure.

One potential answer to the question of whether we need a new Internet is quantum networking, an entirely new approach to networking that could form the basis of a future Internet. The development of quantum networking has already begun, and it’s currently at a stage similar to where the Internet was in the early 1970’s. Some of us might remember the pre-commercial era of the Internet, when universities mainly drove it.

The future of the Quantum Internet is exciting and full of possibilities as researchers and scientists continue to make breakthroughs in quantum physics and quantum communication. While there are still some challenges to be overcome – especially given the sensitivity of quantum physics – we can expect the Quantum Internet to become a reality in the coming years. This will demand further development of robust quantum hardware,  stable qubits, and efficient quantum networks. Will the Quantum Internet replace the current Internet? Probably not. Instead, it will be an addition to the current Internet with specific services and applications that harness the unique capabilities of quantum communication.

Figure 1. The New Internet

You could also approach the question of “Do we need a new Internet?” by comparing it to other forms of communication, like the telephone system, which is 140 years old and hasn’t disappeared–it has evolved. The Internet is around 50 years old and may still have another 50 or more years to go.

Now, here are the challenging parts. The Internet today, both as a social phenomenon and technological advancement, is not getting better; it is getting worse. It is overcrowded, full of spam and fake news, and increasingly regulated by governments and companies. While it is still useful and will remain useful, the Internet today is effectively only the Web, and many of its protocols are becoming over-engineered or, in some cases, outdated.

Here are some of the emerging technical trends that could drive the adoption of a new Internet.

Web 3.0 envisions a decentralized Internet where users have more control over their data and online identities. With blockchain technology enabling peer-to-peer transactions and decentralized applications,  this shift could result in users owning their digital assets and controlling how their data is used, sold, or shared.

The metaverse, a virtual and augmented reality space, is expected to blur the lines between digital and physical realities. Companies are building virtual worlds where people can interact, work, and play, potentially transforming entertainment, business, and education. As the metaverse grows and evolves, a new Internet could lead to expansive digital economies with virtual real estate, digital goods, and services creating new business opportunities.

AI is poised to make the Internet smarter, with algorithms becoming even better at predicting user behavior, personalizing content, and providing assistance through virtual assistants and chatbots. AI will be deeply integrated into websites and platforms, enhancing experiences like search engines, social media, and beyond. More advanced AI will drive automation in various sectors, from e-commerce to healthcare, optimizing services and products.

At the same time, the need for more secure connections will rise, leading to more robust encryption methods. Innovations like quantum encryption and enhanced defenses against cyber threats will become essential as cyber-attacks grow and become more sophisticated.

With efforts like SpaceX’s Starlink and other satellite Internet projects, the future of the Internet may bring high-speed connectivity to remote and underserved areas. This could help close the digital divide, enabling people worldwide to participate in the digital economy. 5G and satellite networks may drive down Internet costs and extend access to billions who are currently unconnected.

The future of the Internet will likely see a massive expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT), where everyday devices like appliances, cars, and even clothing are connected. This creates new opportunities for automation, smart homes, and cities, as well as better resource management and energy efficiency. The integration of IoT with AI will create fully integrated ecosystems where devices can communicate and make decisions autonomously, improving the quality of life in homes, cities, healthcare, and industries.

Will the Internet, and specifically a possible New Internet, become better in the future?

First, we must define what we mean by “a new, better Internet”. For some, it could mean more control, while for others, it might imply more freedom, different new services, higher speeds, and so on. Since the Internet is not a single technology, it’s more of a concept facilitated by the technology of the time; hence, there will never be a wholesale replacement of the Internet because it is not a single monolithic technology. Rather, it comprises hundreds, if not thousands, of technologies that combine to create shared user experiences. These individual parts are continually evolving and changing, and even the end-user experience is morphing to support new functionality and features. It will continue to evolve, and in 10 years, it may be something very different from what it is today, but that shift will likely be gradual.

As these changes unfold, all these experiences will be intrinsically tied to the Internet. Content, context, and websites will all become interconnected with real-world beacons and triggers and will become an embedded part of the experience. While we see this on our computers today, it will bleed into other aspects of our lives as we become more connected and continue shifting towards personal mobile devices for consuming media and other services over the Internet.

While the exact future of the Internet is hard to predict, we can see some trends already. The Internet is becoming more omnipresent, accessible, and intelligent, connecting an ever-growing variety of devices and embedding itself deeper into our lives. With this growth, the Internet will face new challenges, such as cyberattacks, privacy concerns, and possibly more regulations. The future of the Internet will very much depend on how we as users choose to utilize it and how well we protect it. By fostering a secure, inclusive, and resilient Internet, we can ensure it remains a force for positive change in the years to come.