Understanding 'IP-over-Avian-Carriers' (The Internet Joke)

Introduction: The Literal Bird Protocol

In 1990, the people who run the internet published a joke protocol called **IPoAC (IP over Avian Carriers)**. It described, in serious technical detail, how to print out an IP packet, tape it to the leg of a pigeon, and send it to another router.

The Literal Test

In 2001, a group in Norway actually tried it! They sent 9 packets over a distance of 5 kilometers. It took about 90 minutes for the 'Data' to arrive, and 4 of the 9 packets were lost. The 'Last Mile' was literally a mountain.

Conclusion

IPoAC is a reminder that the 'Internet' is just a way of thinking about data. It doesn't matter if you use light, electricity, or feathers—the logic stays the same. See more networking fun here.