CaliNet (Fall of the Bear)

The California Integrated Communications Network, simply known as CaliNet, is a a network of computers providing a variety of information and communication facilities utilizing Calinet commmunication protocols. Created by the Californian division of RobCoTM Communications, it was an experimental foray into commercializing computer networks, previously limited to government use through networks like PoseidoNet.
== Background ==
By the year 2065, RobCo Industries had established itself as the leading computer brand in both North America and Europe. The consumer market’s overwhelming preference for RobCO forced third-party computer manufacturers to adopt the Unified Operating System (UOS), incurring significant licensing fees and effectively taking out any proper competition. RobCo’s technological prowess also paved the way for a collaboration with the United States government, focusing on the development of sophisticated mainframes for the government’s computing network. Recognizing the potential to commercialize the “internet,” Robert House, the founder of RobCo, initially approached the U.S. government with a request to disclose the utilized protocols. Following their refusal, House, undeterred, decided to spearhead the development of a proprietary network. This led to the creation of RobCo Communications, a subsidiary dedicated to creating a commercial, public computer network.
Thus, work immediately began by January 2066. Progress was rapidly made by RobCo engineers and scientists, and by February 2070 they finished the CaliNet protocol suite. House ordered newer RobCo computers to be fitted with a network modem, while an external modem connectable through the CompLinkTM port of older models was planned. 
The soft launch of the network occurred in August 2073, initially within RobCo corporate terminals and among RobCo’s business affiliates. A broader release was slated for 2075 with the introduction of UOS 4.1, which saw the release of the RobCoTM Surfer program. Additionally, this release marked the debut of UnifiTM, credited as the world’s first search engine that cataloged internet pages and files for easy user retrieval. This milestone saw a transformative shift in public communication dynamics. The implementation of a peer-to-peer computing framework enabled the network to enhance its speed in tandem with its expansion, ultimately allowing functions such as online downloads, web browsing, and live video conferencing. While initially confined to the West Coast, illicit efforts by smugglers and pirates extended the reach of these RobCo terminals with the firmware across other American regions. However, these endeavors were short-lived, as RobCo possessed the technological means to identify and deactivate these unauthorized nodes.
== Netsites ==
Netsites are the collection of files and related resources accessible through CaliNet via a domain name. All CaliNet users are directed to the CaliNet Hub, where they can see a list of recommended netsites to visit. Large corporations and organizations have the advantage of hosting a .hub page, acting as a secondary hub where all of their pages are connected to. These types of pages are recommended and promoted more on the CaliNet Hub. Less fortunate users can still make a page, but it is less likely to appear on the main hub page.