In 1964, RAND researcher Paul Baran was tasked with creating a communication system capable of enduring a nuclear assault from the Soviet Union. He proposed three structural options: a centralized system with a single hub and spokes, a decentralized one with loosely connected components, and a distributed system resembling a mesh. Each design had distinct advantages and disadvantages regarding resilience against potential attacks.

Among these, Baran identified the distributed model as the most robust option due to its ability to maintain functionality even if several nodes were damaged. This insight illustrates the significance of network structures in communication systems, emphasizing that a more interconnected approach could enhance survival in extreme circumstances.