Software → Computer Networks
Internet
The global network of interconnected networks that communicates using Internet protocols.
Motivation
The Internet solves the problem of connecting many independent networks into one global communication system. Without it, applications would need custom point-to-point connectivity instead of relying on shared protocols and routing.
Where it fits
The Internet belongs to the software track in the computer networks layer. It sits above physical and local networking details and below application protocols such as HTTP, DNS, and TLS.
Mental model
Think of the Internet as a network of networks. Your device sends packets to a local network, routers forward those packets across many networks, and protocols such as IP and TCP give the communication enough structure to reach the right destination reliably enough for applications.
Example in practice
When a browser loads a website, DNS resolves a domain name, IP packets travel through routers, TCP or QUIC carries the connection, and HTTP or HTTPS defines the application-level exchange.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the Internet with the World Wide Web.
- Assuming the Internet guarantees delivery by itself; reliability usually comes from protocols above IP.
- Treating DNS, HTTP, and TCP as the same layer of responsibility.