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Internet
The Internet is a ‘network of networks’, in the sense that it is a gigantic network, connecting many smaller networks into one single worldwide network. The Internet makes it possible to transfer files, send electronic mail, etc. between many types of computers on a worldwide scale. The Internet in this way extends the reach of each of the participating networks. This vast collection of inter-connected networks all use the TCP/IP protocol. Thus, Internet users must have IP connectivity in order to access other systems.
The Internet was originally designed by the U.S. Department of Defense as a system that would enable military communication to survive a nuclear war. By not having a single point of failure the Internet would be able to function even with major network segments failing.
Related terms:
DMZ, DNS, Dial-in, Domain, E-mail, FTP, Firewall, Gateway, IP address, Internet service provider, Intranet, LAN, NAT, Network, Router, TCP/IP, URL, VPN, WAN, Web site, World Wide Web
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