The Internet sustained relatively little damage during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, when the collapsing World Trade Center destroyed lower Manhattan"s communications networks, according to a new report. The National Research Council"s report, however, warns that Internet service providers must prepare for future emergencies.
The attacks have forced businesses and government agencies to reevaluate how they structure computer networks, data backup centers and links to the Internet.
Telephone service was greatly affected in parts of lower Manhattan on Sept. 11, while cell phone service suffered more widespread congestion problems, according to the report. Nearly one-third of Americans had trouble placing a phone call on the day of the attacks. The Internet, however, experienced only small problems with overall connectivity and data loss.
Because of its resilience, the report noted, the Internet was enlisted as a tool in the rescue and recovery efforts. Some individuals used instant messages on their wireless handheld devices and cell phones to communicate. Web sites were created to distribute lists of missing persons.
New York City is a densely packed communications hub, with private data networks and public networks criss-crossing below the city"s streets. And many trans-Atlantic cables come ashore near the city, bringing Internet traffic from Europe.