{"id":26478,"date":"2026-10-28T21:19:39","date_gmt":"2026-10-29T01:19:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/?p=26478"},"modified":"2026-10-30T18:56:44","modified_gmt":"2026-10-30T22:56:44","slug":"birth-of-an-internet-connection-a-noisy-rite-of-passage-for-the-nerds-of-the-1990s","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/2026\/birth-of-an-internet-connection-a-noisy-rite-of-passage-for-the-nerds-of-the-1990s\/","title":{"rendered":"Birth of an Internet Connection: A noisy rite of passage for the computer buffs of the 1990\u2019s"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n Birth of an Internet Connection: A noisy rite of passage for the computer buffs of the 1990\u2019s\n\n <\/h1>\n \n \n \n\n

Before the Internet arrived ‘quietly’ over fibre, cable, or a cellular network, it often announced itself with a noisy screech, not to be confused with mating cats or angry rodents. For many home users in the 90\u2019s, that sound was a rite of passage. You clicked \u201cConnect,\u201d listened hopefully, and waited to discover whether you would be exploring the online world or troubleshooting for the next hour.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/header>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

The telephone network was the obvious starting point for connecting home computers. Homes already had telephone lines, and a modem could turn computer data into audio-frequency signals that those lines could carry. At the other end, another modem turned the signals back into data. The name itself describes the job: modulator-demodulator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our vintage computing group set out to recreate that experience. Not just the connection, but the anticipation, the flashing lights, and, most importantly, the noise. \u201cTwo computers walk into a telephone exchange\u201d sounds like the beginning of a joke, but it is also a reasonable description of our project. The recipe was simple: two computers, two modems, and a telephone connection between them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Private<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

One modem makes the call. The other answers. Then comes the handshake: a series of whistles, chirps, and bursts of seemingly hostile static as the modems establish how they will communicate. It sounds chaotic, but there is a practical conversation happening. Depending on the modem standard, the machines identify compatible capabilities, assess the telephone connection, and negotiate a suitable transmission speed. They are effectively asking, \u201cWhat do you support, how bad is this line, and how quickly can we talk without making a mess of it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the human listener, this became the unmistakable \u201cdial-up screech.\u201d To the aspiring Internet geek, it was the sound of joy and exploration. To everyone else in the house, it meant the telephone was busy again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you were using the family\u2019s only phone line to connect to an Internet provider or dial directly into a friend\u2019s computer, the line was occupied for the duration. Your connection depended not only on technology, but also on nobody else needing to call Grandma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recreating the experience today takes a little more planning. Two analog telephone lines can do the job, but an active telephone service is not essential. A suitable PBX<\/strong>: Private Branch Exchange, with analogue extensions can provide a miniature telephone network of your own. Insert eBay and Allibaba Ad here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Modem brands such as U.S. Robotics, Zoom (not the video-conferencing app – the original Zoom), Hayes, and Motorola will be familiar to anyone who spent time around computers of the period. For our project, external modems were appealing: separate boxes, visible status lights, and a fighting chance of finding the right cable. Besides, a proper vintage computing demonstration should have at least a few blinking LED\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Connecting a modem to a computer is its own small adventure. On vintage machines, the required combination depends on the computer: a suitable serial interface, the correct modem cable, and compatible communications software. This is where that box of old cables you have been defending for twenty years finally gets its moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a modern computer, an external RS-232 modem can connect through a suitable USB-to-RS-232 cable, along with the appropriate modem-to-RS-232 adapter. Dust off 2 old telephone cables and connect them to your modems and voila.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Linux, a terminal program such as picocom let us communicate with the modem. We configure the computer-to-modem serial connection, send commands, and wait for a response. Of course nostalgia comes with configuration settings. Then we make the call. One modem dials, the other answers, and we get to eavesdrop on their electronic introductions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The whistles begin. The static builds. Somewhere inside two modems, an agreement is reached. Then the terminal reports:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CONNECT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a moment, it is the 1990\u2019s again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And please do not pick up the phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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