The next-generation Internet is being built with high-speed wireless networks, ranging from next-generation cell phones and other mobile devices to free-space optical networks based on laser light.
The hottest trends:

A high-speed (6 megabits or more per second) wireless standard known as 802.11b or “Wi-Fi,” which is spawning a huge array of commercial products as well as free-access community networks.

Internet2, a national research consortium, which is developing even faster connections that will handle high-definition digital television (1.5 gigabits/second), shared virtual-reality environments, high-quality videoconferencing, and remote surgery.