MERIT HISTORY Primary Communications Processor (1981) A HISTORY OF EXCELLENCE & INNOVATION Created in 1966, Merit Network has been a leader in networking and internet technologies for 50 years. Founded by Michigan State University, Wayne State University, and the University of Michigan, Merit established networking in Michigan long before the term “Internet” was invented. Merit pioneered many of the practices and protocols used in today’s Internet. Since Merit’s inception, our researchers and engineers have been instrumental in the successful deployment of many advanced networking projects, including: RADb: The Routing Assets Database BGP Tables Routing Arbiter Project Route Server Next Generation GateD & Authentication, Authorization, Accounting Software Internet Performance Measurement and Analytics Splitting Wavelengths A CHRONICLE OF MERIT'S EARLY HISTORY DOWNLOAD "MERIT–WHO, WHAT, & WHY? 1964-1998+" THE HISTORY OF MERIT 1966 Michigan State University, Wayne State University, and University of Michigan form the non-profit Michigan Educational Research Information Triad (MERIT), Inc. to seek non-state funds for inter-university computer communications. 1969 Michigan State University, University of Michigan, and Wayne State University form the Michigan Educational Research Information Triad Inc. (MERIT). First Merit Logo: 1971 Merit successfully networks mainframe computers at MSU, U-M, WSU. 1972 Michigan State University is connected to the network. 1973 Official dedication for the network on May 15th in the Centennial Room of the Kellogg Center on the Michigan State University campus. 1976 MERIT interconnects with Telenet, an early spin-off of the ARPANET, to provide MERIT users dial-in access from locations around the United States. Telenet would later connect with networks in other countries to provide international access. 1978 Western Michigan University becomes the fourth Member of Merit, expanding the network beyond the triad. 1983 After implementing the TCP/IP protocol suite within the PCP/SCP infrastructure, Merit connects with ARPANET. 1986 Merit engineers operate a satellite link and land line to connect U-M to supercomputer centers in San Diego and Pittsburgh. 1987 MERIT, along with IBM, MCI & Michigan Strategic Fund, wins $39 million award to manage the NSFNet, the catalyst for the commercial Internet. NFSNET Network: 1988 The new nationwide NSFNET network is 24 times faster, going from 56 kbps to T1 service (1.5 megabits per second), and served more sites than the initial network interconnecting supercomputer centers around the country. 1996 U.S. higher education institutions create Internet2, Merit becomes an affiliate member of Internet2. Internet2: 1997 Virtual web hosting, server colocation, Internet server configuration among new Merit services. 1998 Ferris State University becomes Merit’s 13th Member; all of Michigan’s public universities are now Members of Merit. Merit Logo (1990): 2000 Merit spins off two for-profit companies: NextHop Technologies develops and markets GateD routing software, and Interlink Networks specializes in Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) software. 2003 Statewide fiber strategy takes shape as Merit deploys fiber rings in Grand Rapids and Lansing. Wayne State, MSU, and U-M launch Michigan Lambda Rail Network project, linking campuses via privately owned fiber. Merit selected as primary Internet service provider for State of Michigan through SMART LINK program. 2004 Merit & ORION (Ontario Research Innovation Optical Network) sign historic agreement to connect the USA and Canada borders. Merit Logo (2004): 2005 Merit launches new security services, including remote port scan, system verification, remote assessment and on-site audit. 2006 Donald Welch selected as Merit President and CEO on May 11, 2006. 2010 Merit announces the award of a multi-million dollar grant to build 1,017 miles of fiber-optic infrastructure. The grant was part of an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) program administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The REACH-3MC (Rural, Education, Anchor, Community and Health Care – Michigan Middle Mile Collaborative) fiber project will extend critical broadband service to rural and underserved communities. Merit announces the second multi-million dollar grant award for the REACH-3MC II project, which will build 1,270 miles of fiber in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. 2012 Governor Snyder participates in the ribbon cutting of the Michigan Cyber Range and Merit deploys the first Cyber Range site at Eastern Michigan University. 2013 Merit announces 10 gbps connectivity between all twelve Governing Member organizations. 2014 Merit completes REACH-3MC fiber-optic project, constructing 2,287 miles of infrastructure across Michigan and in parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Learn more about the REACH-3MC project. 2015 Joe Sawasky becomes Merit President and Chief Executive Officer. 2016 Merit celebrates its 50th anniversary. 2018 Merit launches the Michigan Moonshot as a collective call to action to bridge the digital divide. STAY UP TO DATE WITH MERIT Sign up to receive the latest security and networking articles, exclusive invitations to Merit events, product information and more! 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