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Fixed and fluid: stability and change in the geography of the Internet

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  • Gorman, Sean P.
  • Malecki, Edward J.

Abstract

The geography of today's Internet infrastructure is grounded in the fiber installations, routers, switches and central offices that guide electronic messages around the world. While the location of hardware is relatively fixed, the task of identifying the locations where data and information are stored is a far more difficult task. Advances in technology have created a very fluid definition of the location of information that has become increasingly distributed and ethereal. This paper examines the current structure and location patterns of Internet infrastructure hardware in the USA and how content distribution networks and peer-to-peer networks have disrupted traditional information location. The comparison of the two provides insight into how the geography of infrastructure hardware is influencing Internet technology and business.

Suggested Citation

  • Gorman, Sean P. & Malecki, Edward J., 0. "Fixed and fluid: stability and change in the geography of the Internet," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 26(7-8), pages 389-413, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:telpol:v:26:y::i:7-8:p:389-413
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Laurie A. Schintler & Aura Reggiani & Rajendra Kulkarni & Peter Nijkamp, 2003. "Scale-Free Phenomena in Communication Networks: A Cross-Atlantic Comparison," ERSA conference papers ersa03p436, European Regional Science Association.
    2. Giacomello, Giampiero & Picci, Lucio, 2003. "My scale or your meter? Evaluating methods of measuring the Internet," Information Economics and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 15(3), pages 363-383, September.
    3. Mark Graham, 2011. "Time machines and virtual portals," Progress in Development Studies, , vol. 11(3), pages 211-227, July.
    4. Sandra Vinciguerra & Koen Frenken & Marco Valente, 2010. "The Geography of Internet Infrastructure: An Evolutionary Simulation Approach Based on Preferential Attachment," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 47(9), pages 1969-1984, August.
    5. Emmanouil Tranos & Karima Kourtit & Peter Nijkamp, 2014. "Digital urban network connectivity: Global and Chinese internet patterns," Papers in Regional Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 93(2), pages 409-428, June.

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