Internet
We use it every day like the air we breathe. But if asked to define it, we often struggle. Let's explore this massive system that runs on the roads paved by ISPs.
1. What is the Internet?
The word Internet comes from "Inter-network". It literally means "interconnected networks."
- Network: A small connection between your computer and printer.
- Internet: A massive global communication network where countless small networks form one giant web.
2. How it Works (TCP/IP)
For computers worldwide to talk to each other, they need a common language. That standard protocol is called TCP/IP. * Whether it's a server in the US or a smartphone in Korea, they can exchange data because they both follow the TCP/IP rules. * This data travels at the speed of light through undersea fiber-optic cables and satellites.
3. Internet vs. Web (WWW)
Many people confuse the Internet with the World Wide Web (Web), but they are different.
| Term | Analogy (Road & City) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Internet | Roads (Infrastructure) | The physical network infrastructure connecting the world. |
| Web (WWW) | Buildings/Shops (Service) | The information spaces built on the roads (Google, Facebook, etc.). |
- Besides the Web (websites), the Internet also carries services like Email, Online Gaming, and File Transfer (FTP).
4. Who owns it?
No one owns the Internet. It is not controlled by any single government or company. It is a decentralized network maintained through the cooperation of ISPs and network administrators worldwide. This is why the Internet is so resilient and free.