Researchers in the US want at least $350 million to build the Global Environment for Network Innovations (Geni), touted by some as the possible replacement for today’s Internet withing 10 to 15 years.

Many ideas revolve around so-called “mesh networks,” which link many computers to create more powerful, reliable connections to the Internet. By using small meshes of many machines that share a pipeline to the Net instead of relying on lots of parallel connections, experts say they can create a system that is more intelligent and less prone to attack.

It could also cut online crime, tackle child pornography, halt crippling viruses and get rid of spam.