Reply #10: Exactly, the real question is HOW is this done.

[napoleon_in_rags]

Two network structures: 1), computers connect through the shortest network route to each other, through a distributed net like structure. 2) Computers connect to each other through a distant node that can be shut down, disabling the Internet.

Scenario: Earthquakes and volcanic activity in Hawaii, major cable under the Ocean cut by seismic movement. Result of network 1: Critical communications infrastructure remains standing, people can make calls and find out if they are alright, though calls to off the island are disabled. Result of network 2: The underwater fiber connecting Hawaii with mainland US is cut, so all requests to neighbors on the island is also cut, and everybody is in the dark as to whether their friends and loved ones are alive.

This is simplistic, but there is NO way to do this without shutting off communications between neighbors.