What Role Will the Internet Play in the Future?

The Internet, a global network of interconnected computer networks, has greatly benefited human life, positively changing society in every sector. A variety of businesses benefit from the Internet by expanding their geographical reach and providing a one-stop shopping experience. Online tutorials aid the education sector. The superfast speed of messaging, video, and text sharing aid communication, resulting in faster information sharing and decision-making. The Internet is a one-stop shop for general information. Furthermore, the Internet has expanded the reach of business service offerings to customers. 

By now, the world's Internet users have surpassed 3.5 billion, accounting for 43.6 percent of the global population. This increase is fueled by advancements in internet technology, which have taken it from slow dial-up to incredible speed from virtually anywhere. Customer trends shape functionality; new devices influence designs, prompting businesses to develop new Internet-based services, models, and offerings. Because of this demand, the Internet is becoming increasingly important:

1. The Need for Permanent and Automatic Internet Connections 

We currently connect to the Internet in various ways, such as by entering the Wi-Fi password for a specific location. Eventually, that connection must be consistent, streamlined, and overlap between systems to provide redundancy and eliminate concerns about service outages or bad connections.

2. Applicability in Augmented and Virtual Reality

 Current devices, such as smartphones, allow us to access the Internet through screens. Still, next-generation devices will project or embed into the real world through Augmented and Virtual Reality (such as Google Glass). As AR/VR overlays computer-generated information, images, and videos on a user's smartphone or tablet in real-time environments, the Internet will play a significant role.

According to estimates, an immersive retina experience will require hundreds of megabits per second to several gigabits of bandwidth (compared to Netflix's high-definition streaming service, which only requires 5 megabits per second). This bandwidth must be accommodated by Internet technology.

3. Importance of Machine Learning 

Machines can already perform many manual tasks. Cloud computing and large data sets can train Machine Learning clusters to master higher-level or intelligent tasks, allowing for better workload management.

4. IoT (Internet of Things) Importance 

 The Internet of Things connects various household appliances, such as refrigerators and alarm clocks. That connection will soon extend to vehicles, wallets, health monitors, and possibly our paper currency. It necessitates more freely flowing information over the Internet and will aid in our desire to connect everything we can to the Internet.

5. Significance Beyond the Earth 

Various space agencies (such as SpaceX) are investigating missions to colonize Mars, and they will require internet access to communicate with Earth. Orbiting satellites around Mars will exchange Internet data, though it may take up to 24 minutes for the information to be transmitted back to Earth (one-way).