Many take the internet for granted. For most of us, instant connectivity is a given. We pull out our phones, turn on our laptops, and stream our favorite programs. Whenever we need it – the Internet is just there. But have you ever wondered about exactly how the internet works? Those we asked responded with answers ranging from “different satellites” to “magic.”
The truth lies somewhere between.
The internet is an interconnected network of over 40,000 other networks. They all communicate with each other to provide people across the country, and world, with instantaneous information and connection. The more networks there are, the easier it is for people to connect and interact with each other, and the internet writ large. With all this talk about networks, is it any wonder that we named ourselves Network:On?
The Internet’s tremendous capabilities are only possible because of the physical infrastructure built out around the country. In the United States alone, hundreds of millions of people transmit trillions of pieces of information each second. Everything we do online – from Zoom calls to virtual doctor visits to sharing your favorite memes with friends across the country – are the result of years of investment from industry and government alike to power America’s Excellent Internet.
Now here’s where the “magic” comes in. Check out our Internet 101 video to hear about how the internet has evolved from local computer to computer communication to a network of networks across the globe.
