The document discusses the key aspects of how the Internet works. It notes that the Internet is a global network of interconnected networks that uses standard communication protocols. It operates based on open standards that allow any network to connect to another, enabling anyone to create and share content without central permission. The Internet consists of thousands of privately run networks that function together as one through technical coordination that is open, independent and nonprofit-led.
3. A global computer network providing a
variety of information and communication
facilities, consisting of interconnected
networks using standardized communication
protocols.
The Internet is named after the Internet
Protocol, the standard communications
protocol used by every computer on the
Internet. The Internet can powerfully
leverage your ability to find, manage, and
share information.
5. The Internet works because open standards
allow every network to connect to every
other network.
This is what makes it possible for anyone to
create content, offer services, and sell
products without requiring permission from a
central authority.
It levels the playing field for everyone and
it’s the reason why we have a rich diversity
of applications and services that many of us
enjoy today
6. No one is, but everyone is.
Unlike the telephone network, which for years
in most countries, was run by a single
company, the global Internet consists of tens
of thousands of interconnected networks run
by service providers, individual companies,
universities, governments, and others
7. The Internet is that it’s a network of networks
that needs to operate around the world as if it
were one.
Like policy, the technical coordination of the
Internet has common characteristics:
Open,
Independent,
Run by non-profit membership organizations that
work together to meet the needs everyone.
This self-regulation has been the key to the
successful growth of the Internet and is flexible
enough to adapt to changing future needs.
Read about the technical aspects of the Internet.