What is the Internet, and what fundamental protocol suite does it use for communication between networks and devices?

The Internet is defined as the global system of interconnected computer networks. It utilizes the Internet protocol suite, commonly known as TCP/IP, to facilitate communication between these diverse networks and the devices connected to them.

What types of networks comprise the Internet, and what technologies link them together?

The Internet is a vast network of networks that includes private, public, academic, business, and government networks, spanning local to global scales. These diverse networks are interconnected through a wide array of electronic, wireless, and optical networking technologies.

What foundational research and developments in the 1960s were crucial for the Internet's origins?

The origins of the Internet are rooted in 1960s research that enabled the time-sharing of computer resources, the development of packet switching technology, and the design of computer networks specifically for data communication.

Who commissioned the development of the core internetworking protocols, and in collaboration with whom?

The development of the core protocols for internetworking was commissioned in the 1970s by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) of the U.S. Department of Defense. This effort involved collaboration with universities and researchers from the United States, the United Kingdom, and France.

What was the initial role of ARPANET in the development of the Internet?

ARPANET initially served as a backbone for connecting regional academic and military networks within the United States, primarily to enable resource sharing among these institutions.

What key developments in the early 1990s marked the transition to the modern Internet and spurred its exponential growth?

The linking of commercial networks and enterprises in the early 1990s, along with the advent of the World Wide Web, signified the transition to the modern Internet. These events fueled sustained exponential growth as new generations of computers became connected.

How has the Internet impacted traditional communication media, and what new services has it enabled?

The Internet has reshaped and often bypassed traditional media like telephone, radio, and newspapers, leading to the creation of new services such as email, internet telephony, streaming media, and digital news platforms.

What is the common understanding of the term 'Internet' today, and how does it differ from the 'World Wide Web'?

Today, 'Internet' commonly refers to the global network of interconnected computer networks. The World Wide Web, often confused with the Internet, is actually just one service on the Internet, consisting of linked documents and resources accessed via hyperlinks and URLs.

When was the word 'internetted' first used, and what did it mean?

The word 'internetted' was first used as early as 1849, and it meant 'interconnected' or 'interwoven'.

What was the initial role of ARPANET in the development of the Internet?

ARPANET initially served as a backbone for connecting regional academic and military networks within the United States, primarily to enable resource sharing among these institutions.

Who is credited with proposing the concept of a universal network, and where did they work when developing this idea?

J. C. R. Licklider is credited with proposing the concept of a universal network. He developed this idea while working at Bolt Beranek & Newman and later led the Information Processing Techniques Office (IPTO) at the U.S. Department of Defense's Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA).

When and between which institutions were the first two network nodes of ARPANET interconnected?

The development of ARPANET began with the interconnection of its first two nodes on October 29, 1969, between the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the Stanford Research Institute (SRI International).

What foundational tools for the World Wide Web did Tim Berners-Lee develop by Christmas 1990?

By Christmas 1990, Tim Berners-Lee had developed the essential tools for a functional World Wide Web, including the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) 0.9, HyperText Markup Language (HTML), the first web browser, the first HTTP server software, and the initial web pages describing the project.

What event in 1982 facilitated the worldwide spread of interconnected networks?

The standardization of the Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP) in 1982 was a key event that facilitated the worldwide proliferation of interconnected networks.

What is the role of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) concerning the Internet's core protocols?

The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) is responsible for the technical underpinning and standardization of the Internet's core protocols, such as IPv4 and IPv6. It is a non-profit organization where international participants can contribute their technical expertise.

What is the primary function of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) in maintaining the Internet's interoperability?

To ensure interoperability across the global network, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) administers the Internet's principal name spaces, including domain names and IP addresses.

What is the purpose of Regional Internet Registries (RIRs), and how are they structured geographically?

Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) were established to serve five distinct global regions. Their purpose is to assign IP address blocks and other Internet parameters to local registries, like Internet service providers, from specific address pools allocated to each region.

What are the common methods individuals use to access the Internet?

Common methods for accessing the Internet include dial-up connections via telephone lines, broadband over coaxial cable, fiber optics, or copper wires, wireless Wi-Fi, satellite connections, and cellular telephone technologies like 3G and 4G.

When did Internet usage via mobile and tablet devices surpass desktop usage globally?

Internet usage via mobile and tablet devices surpassed desktop usage worldwide for the first time in October 2016.

What is zero-rating, and what are the criticisms leveled against it?

Zero-rating is a practice where Internet service providers grant users free access to specific content or applications without incurring data costs. While it can help overcome economic barriers, critics argue that it creates a two-tiered Internet by prioritizing certain services.

What is the framework known as the Internet protocol suite, and what is another common name for it?

The Internet protocol suite, also commonly referred to as TCP/IP (named after its first two components), is a framework described by Internet standards. It consists of a suite of protocols organized into four conceptual layers based on their operational scope.

What is the role of the Internet layer in the Internet protocol suite, and what key protocol does it implement?

The Internet layer, situated beneath the transport layer, is responsible for interconnecting networks at their boundaries and exchanging traffic. It implements the Internet Protocol (IP), which allows computers to be identified and located using IP addresses and to route traffic through intermediate networks.

What is the purpose of IP addresses within the Internet's infrastructure?

IP addresses are provided by the Internet to locate individual computers on the network. The Internet's infrastructure uses these addresses to direct internet packets to their intended destinations.

Why do users typically prefer domain names over IP addresses, and what system handles this conversion?

Users generally prefer domain names, such as 'en.wikipedia.org,' over IP addresses because they are easier to remember. The Domain Name System (DNS) converts these domain names into IP addresses, which are more efficient for routing packets across the Internet.

What was the original capacity of IPv4, and what led to its exhaustion?

IPv4, the initial and still dominant version of the Internet Protocol, was designed in 1981 to support approximately 4.3 billion hosts. However, the rapid growth of the Internet resulted in IPv4 address exhaustion, with the global allocation pool being depleted by 2011.

Why was IPv6 developed, and what are its primary advantages over IPv4?

IPv6 was developed in the mid-1990s due to the increasing growth of the Internet and the depletion of IPv4 addresses. Its primary advantages include vastly larger addressing capabilities and more efficient routing of Internet traffic.

What is a subnetwork, or subnet?

A subnetwork, also known as a subnet, is a logical subdivision created within an IP network.

What are the benefits of subnetting an IP network?

Subnetting offers several benefits, including efficient allocation of address space, particularly in large organizations and within the Internet's CIDR architecture. It can also improve routing efficiency and simplify network management.

What do computers and routers use to direct IP packets to nodes on different subnetworks?

Computers and routers utilize routing tables stored in their operating systems to guide IP packets to their destinations on different subnetworks.

Which organization has taken responsibility for the architectural design of the Internet's software systems?

The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) has assumed the responsibility for the architectural design of the Internet's software systems.

What are some of the most prominent applications and services carried by the Internet?

The Internet supports a wide range of applications and services, with the World Wide Web being the most prominent. Other significant services include social media, electronic mail, mobile applications, multiplayer online games, Internet telephony (VoIP), file sharing, and streaming media.

What is the significance of video sharing websites in the entertainment ecosystem, and what is the status of YouTube?

Video sharing websites are a major component of the entertainment ecosystem. YouTube, founded on February 15, 2005, is the leading platform for free streaming video, boasting over two billion users.

How have the Internet and the World Wide Web contributed to education?

The Internet, and specifically the World Wide Web, serve as crucial enablers for both formal educational structures and informal learning processes, providing access to materials at all levels.

What new forms of social engagement has the Internet facilitated, and what academic field studies this?

The Internet has enabled novel forms of social interaction, activities, and associations, leading to the emergence of the scholarly field known as the sociology of the Internet.

What was the global growth in Internet users between 2000 and 2009?

Between 2000 and 2009, the number of Internet users worldwide increased significantly, rising from 390 million to 1.9 billion.

What was the distribution of the world's Internet users across continents in 2022?

In 2022, the distribution of the world's Internet users by continent was: Asia (54%), Europe (14%), North America (7%), Latin America and the Caribbean (10%), Africa (11%), the Middle East (4%), and Oceania (1%).

What is malware, and what are some examples of its types?

Malware is malicious software that is used and distributed through the Internet. It encompasses various forms, including computer viruses, computer worms, software for denial-of-service attacks, ransomware, botnets, and spyware.

What is the primary focus of most computer surveillance activities?

The vast majority of computer surveillance efforts are concentrated on monitoring data and traffic that flows across the Internet.

What does the Communications Assistance For Law Enforcement Act (CALEA) in the U.S. require regarding Internet traffic monitoring?

In the United States, the Communications Assistance For Law Enforcement Act (CALEA) mandates that all phone calls and broadband Internet traffic must be accessible for real-time monitoring by Federal law enforcement agencies without impediment.

What is packet capture, and how do computers use packets to communicate over the Internet?

Packet capture is the process of monitoring data traffic on a computer network. Computers communicate over the Internet by segmenting messages into small 'packets,' which are routed through various computers until they reach their destination, where they are reassembled.

Which governments are mentioned as restricting Internet content, and what methods do they employ?

Governments in countries like Burma, Iran, North Korea, Mainland China, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates restrict Internet content, particularly political and religious material, using methods such as domain name and keyword filters.

How do the Internet and the World Wide Web contribute to education?

The Internet, and specifically the World Wide Web, serve as crucial enablers for both formal educational structures and informal learning processes, providing access to materials at all levels.

What is the estimated overall energy consumption of the Internet in 2011, and how does it compare to global energy usage?

In 2011, academic researchers estimated the Internet's overall energy consumption to be between 170 and 307 GW, which constituted less than two percent of the total energy consumed by humanity.

What was the estimated number of global Internet users in 2022, and what proportion of the world's population does this represent?

As of 2022, it was estimated that 5.4 billion people used the Internet, which is more than two-thirds of the world's population.

What is the distinction between a packet capture tool and an analysis tool?

A packet capture tool gathers information by intercepting network packets but does not analyze their meaning. Separate programs are required for traffic analysis to interpret the intercepted data and extract relevant information.

What are some neologisms used to describe Internet users, and what do they signify?

Several neologisms describe Internet users: 'Netizen' refers to those actively involved in improving online communities or advocating for Internet rights. An 'Internaut' is an operator or highly technically skilled user. A 'digital citizen' uses the Internet for engagement in society, politics, and government.

How do businesses and organizations utilize social networking services?

Businesses and organizations widely use social networking services for brand promotion, customer marketing, and to encourage content to become 'viral'.

What is the 'online disinhibition effect'?

The online disinhibition effect refers to the tendency for individuals to behave more aggressively or offensively online than they would in face-to-face interactions.

What was the estimated daily time spent by UK employees surfing the web at work, according to a 2003 study?

A 2003 study by Peninsula Business Services estimated that the average UK employee spent 57 minutes per day surfing the web while at work, highlighting the issue of cyberslacking.

How have the Internet's file-sharing capabilities changed industries that deal with digital content?

The Internet's file-sharing capabilities are fundamentally altering the production, sale, and distribution of content that can be digitized and transmitted, impacting industries that previously controlled products like publications, software, and media, leading to significant shifts.

Internet Wiki: The Digital Tapestry: Navigating the Global Internet

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What is the Internet?

Global Interconnection

The Internet represents a globally distributed system of interconnected computer networks. It operates using the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to facilitate communication between diverse networks and devices. Essentially, it is a network of networks, linking private, public, academic, business, and governmental entities through a wide array of networking technologies.

A Hub of Information and Services

It serves as a conduit for an immense range of information resources and services. This includes the interconnected hypertext documents and applications of the World Wide Web (WWW), electronic mail (email), internet telephony, streaming media, and file sharing, making it a cornerstone of modern digital life.

A Journey Through Time

Early Concepts and Foundations

The genesis of the Internet can be traced to seminal research in the mid-20th century concerning time-sharing computer systems and the development of packet switching. Key figures like J.C.R. Licklider envisioned a universal network, while Paul Baran and Donald Davies independently pioneered packet switching concepts, which became foundational for the ARPANET project.

ARPANET and Protocol Development

The ARPANET, initiated by the U.S. Department of Defense's Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA), served as an early backbone. Its initial interconnections in 1969 marked a significant milestone. Subsequent development and standardization of protocols, notably TCP/IP, and the expansion of networks like NSFNET, facilitated global interconnection and interoperability.

Commercialization and the Web

The commercialization of the Internet in the 1990s, alongside the creation of the World Wide Web by Tim Berners-Lee, catalyzed unprecedented growth. This period saw the Internet evolve from an academic and military network into an indispensable global infrastructure for communication, commerce, and daily life.

The Backbone of Connectivity

Physical Components

The Internet's physical infrastructure comprises a complex array of routers, transmission media such as cabling and radio links, repeaters, and modems. These elements work in concert to facilitate the transmission of data packets across heterogeneous networking technologies.

Data Centers and Submarine Cables

Crucial to global connectivity are colocation centers, which host peering connections, internet transit providers, and cloud services. The extensive network of submarine fiber-optic communication cables forms the physical arteries, enabling high-capacity international data transfer.

Tiered Connectivity and Exchange Points

Internet service providers (ISPs) operate across various tiers, forming a hierarchical structure for traffic exchange. Tier 1 networks engage in direct peering, while lower tiers purchase transit. Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) are critical physical locations where multiple ISPs interconnect.

The Language of the Net

The TCP/IP Suite

The operational integrity of the Internet is underpinned by a suite of communication protocols, most notably the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). This framework is conceptually organized into layers: Application, Transport, Internet, and Link, each addressing distinct aspects of data transmission and routing.

Addressing and Naming Conventions

Unique identification of devices is managed through IP addresses (IPv4 and IPv6). The Domain Name System (DNS) translates human-readable domain names into these numerical IP addresses, simplifying navigation and access to resources.

Standardization and IETF

The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) plays a pivotal role in developing and maintaining the technical standards that govern the Internet. Through its collaborative, open process, the IETF produces Request for Comments (RFC) documents that define core protocols and best practices.

Digital Services and Applications

The World Wide Web

The World Wide Web (WWW) stands as a primary service, comprising interconnected documents, images, and multimedia resources linked via hyperlinks. Accessed through web browsers using the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP), it has revolutionized information dissemination and accessibility.

Communication and Collaboration Tools

Email remains a fundamental communication service, facilitating the exchange of messages and files. Instant messaging and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) further enhance real-time interaction, transforming personal and professional communication paradigms.

Media, Commerce, and Content

The Internet enables extensive media distribution, including streaming audio and video, and has driven substantial growth in e-commerce. It has reshaped industries by providing global platforms for businesses, creators, and consumers alike.

Global Governance Framework

Decentralized Administration

The Internet operates without a singular, centralized governing authority. Its structure relies on the voluntary interconnection of autonomous networks, each maintaining its own operational policies, contributing to its resilience and adaptability.

Key Coordinating Bodies

Organizations such as ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) are responsible for coordinating essential global name spaces, including domain names and IP addresses. The IETF standardizes core protocols, while the Internet Society (ISOC) champions the Internet's open development.

Regional IP Address Management

Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) manage the allocation of IP address blocks across distinct global regions. This distributed approach to resource management is critical for the Internet's orderly global operation and expansion.

Navigating Security Landscape

Threats and Malware

The Internet is susceptible to various malicious activities, including malware such as viruses, worms, ransomware, and spyware. Cybercrime, encompassing these threats, represents a significant global challenge, with continuously evolving tactics designed to evade detection and security measures.

Surveillance and Censorship Concerns

Concerns persist regarding the extensive surveillance of Internet traffic and user data. Furthermore, governmental Internet censorship restricts access to information and monitors online activities, impacting principles of digital freedom and privacy.

Performance and System Stability

The Internet's performance characteristics vary widely due to its heterogeneous nature. Outages can stem from disruptions to physical infrastructure, such as submarine communication cables, or from deliberate governmental actions, potentially affecting connectivity for vast populations.

Global Reach and Usage

User Statistics Over Time

The Internet's global penetration has seen exponential growth, reflecting its increasing integration into daily life worldwide. The following table, derived from ITU data, illustrates the trend in Internet usage as a percentage of population across different global regions:

Worldwide Internet users^[55]
	2005	2010	2017	2023
World population (billions)^[56]	6.5	6.9	7.4	8.0
Worldwide	16%	30%	48%	67%
In developing world	8%	21%	41.3%	60%
In developed world	51%	67%	81%	93%

Authority and Control

Decentralized Governance

The Internet's governance is characterized by a lack of centralized control. Instead, it relies on a distributed model involving multiple organizations and voluntary agreements to maintain its global operation and standards.

Key Coordinating Bodies

Essential functions like the assignment of IP addresses and domain names are managed by ICANN. The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) is responsible for developing and promoting Internet standards, ensuring interoperability across diverse networks.

Regional and International Oversight

Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) oversee IP address allocation within their respective geographical areas. International organizations like the Internet Society (ISOC) work to ensure the Internet's open development and evolution for global benefit.

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References

See Capitalization of Internet

Despite the name, TCP/IP also includes UDP traffic, which is significant.[1]

A full list of references for this article are available at the Internet Wikipedia page

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The Digital Tapestry

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

What is the Internet? 🌐

🔗 Global Interconnection

📦 A Hub of Information and Services

A Journey Through Time ⏳

💡 Early Concepts and Foundations

🚀 ARPANET and Protocol Development

🌐 Commercialization and the Web

The Backbone of Connectivity 🏗️

🔌 Physical Components

🏢 Data Centers and Submarine Cables

📈 Tiered Connectivity and Exchange Points

The Language of the Net 💬

📜 The TCP/IP Suite

📍 Addressing and Naming Conventions

⚙️ Standardization and IETF

Digital Services and Applications 💡

💻 The World Wide Web

✉️ Communication and Collaboration Tools

🎬 Media, Commerce, and Content

Global Governance Framework ⚖️

🏛️ Decentralized Administration

🌐 Key Coordinating Bodies

🌍 Regional IP Address Management

Navigating Security Landscape 🔒

🛡️ Threats and Malware

👁️ Surveillance and Censorship Concerns

📊 Performance and System Stability

Global Reach and Usage 🌍

📊 User Statistics Over Time

Authority and Control ⚖️

🏛️ Decentralized Governance

🔑 Key Coordinating Bodies

🌍 Regional and International Oversight

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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Gamer's Corner 🎮

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

What is the Internet?

Global Interconnection

A Hub of Information and Services

A Journey Through Time

Early Concepts and Foundations

ARPANET and Protocol Development

Commercialization and the Web

The Backbone of Connectivity

Physical Components

Data Centers and Submarine Cables

Tiered Connectivity and Exchange Points

The Language of the Net

The TCP/IP Suite

Addressing and Naming Conventions

Standardization and IETF

Digital Services and Applications

The World Wide Web

Communication and Collaboration Tools

Media, Commerce, and Content

Global Governance Framework

Decentralized Administration

Key Coordinating Bodies

Regional IP Address Management

Navigating Security Landscape

Threats and Malware

Surveillance and Censorship Concerns

Performance and System Stability

Global Reach and Usage

User Statistics Over Time

Authority and Control

Decentralized Governance

Key Coordinating Bodies

Regional and International Oversight

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice