When networking becomes second nature: The next 25 years ... and beyond

In the next 25 years, communications networking will break down the ultimate barriers between people, as well as between people and the natural world. Today's trends in key technologies give us clues about a future in which networking is totally natural-ubiquitous, highly intelligent, and customized for individuals-with transparent, natural interfaces. In the new millennium, today's Internet and multiple networks will metamorphose into a single, unified ``Hi-IQNet, `` or mega-network of networks. This Net will bring people together with one another and with every conceivable kind of information and product, vastly expanding human knowledge, wisdom, and commerce. It will also help lead us into an ``Age of Virtuality. `` Society must confront the challenges of the global transformations that these advances will bring. The challenge to the women and men of Bell Labs is to continue to lead change, as they have for the past 75 years.