Things I find fascinating (II)

The Thalys Internet access system:

Whenever you go, let’s say, from Brussels to Paris, and you want to connect your laptop to the tubes this is what happens:

1. Your laptop establishes a wireless connection with a computer in your car.
2. This computer connects with an antenna in the roof.
3. This antenna gets a bidirectional satellite link.
4. The satellite connects with a network operation center god knows where.
5. The center accesses the Internet for you and send everything the same way back.

Hey wait, but what if you’re in a tunnel? Pas de problème, the Internet connection is kept alive by switching to land relays.

Wow.