Internet

Definition

The Internet is the global system of interconnected computer networks that uses the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to communicate between networks and devices. It is a network of networks that consists of private, public, academic, business, and government networks of local to global scope.

Why It Matters

The Internet is the largest and most impactful human creation in history, connecting billions of people and devices worldwide and fundamentally changing communication, commerce, education, and entertainment.

Contextual Example

Your home LAN is connected to your ISP's network. Your ISP's network is connected to other large backbone networks. This vast, interconnected system is the Internet.

Common Misunderstandings

• The Internet and the World Wide Web are not the same thing. The Internet is the hardware and infrastructure (the network of networks). The Web is a service that runs on the Internet (a collection of documents connected by hyperlinks).
• The Internet has no central governing body.

Related Terms