Archive for May 31st, 2013

Tubes. A journey to the centre of the internet. Andrew Blum.

tubes andrew blum

Tubes. A journey to the centre of the internet. Andrew Blum.   2012. ISBN 9780061994937  While reading this book I was  taken back  to Tracy Kidders technical. philosophical and anthropological approach to  The Soul of  a New Machine (1981) , in that you really end up knowing this topic.  A lot of technical information is summarized here, but it is in the context of the people doing the work. The careful reader will come away with a good idea of the hardware and fibre pipes driving the internet. It is a good starting point for anyone who wants to delve into the business and technical model of worldwide broadband.   My nerdy self was a bit frustrated with the “local colour” that dressed up many of the pages – but it will allow this book to have a broader appeal.  The author is an experienced journalist, so his content rolls along smoothly ( with the faint New Yorker “air” still about it).  The book will not change your life – but you should know this material as an educated person.

 

Category: Technology Industry

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