The Internet is a massive, expansive collection of networks that connect to each other. In truth, the term "Internet" will be derived from this concept: interconnected networks.

Because computers connect to one other within networks, and these networks connect to each other, the Internet allows one computer to communicate with another computer in a different network. 

What is distributed networking, and why is it crucial to the Internet?

There is no Internet control center. Instead, it is a distributed networking system, which means it does not rely on any single machine. The Internet can be made up of any computer or hardware that can send and receive data in the proper manner (for example, by using the appropriate networking protocols).

The Internet's spread structure lends it resilience. Computers, servers, and other pieces of networking hardware constantly connect and disconnect from the Internet without affecting how the Internet runs — unlike a computer, which may not function at all if a component is missing. 

How does the internet work?

The Internet is built around two essential concepts: packets and protocols.

Packets

In networking, a packet is a small portion of a larger communication. Each packet contains data as well as data-related metadata. The "header," which contains information about the packet's contents, is placed at the beginning of the packet so that the receiving machine knows what to do with it. To appreciate the purpose of a packet header, consider how certain consumer products include assembly instructions.

Protocols

Connecting two computers, each of which may have different hardware and software, was one of the primary issues that the Internet's architects faced. It necessitates the adoption of communication protocols that are understandable by all linked computers, just as two humans who grew up in different parts of the world may need to speak the same language to understand each other.

Standardized protocols help to solve this problem. In networking, a protocol is a standardized method of performing specific operations and formatting data so that two or more devices may interact and understand one another.

What physical infrastructure powers the Internet?

Making the Internet accessible to all requires a wide range of devices and infrastructure. Some of the more important types are as follows:

Routers route packets to various computer networks based on their destination. Routers are the Internet's traffic enforcers, ensuring that traffic is routed to the correct networks.

Switches connect devices that share the same network. They employ packet switching to route packets to the appropriate devices. They also accept outgoing packets from those devices and forward them to the appropriate destination.

What exactly does 'helping develop a better Internet' mean?

The establishment of the Internet was a remarkable achievement that required the collaboration of thousands of individuals and organizations. The fact that the Internet runs on a much larger scale than its inventors envisioned is a testimony to their efforts.

However, the Internet does not always function as it should. Network difficulties and criminal behavior can impede or prevent Internet access. Third parties can eavesdrop on users' activities, resulting in abuse and, in some situations, government repression. Internet protocols and processes were not developed with security and privacy in mind since those who first designed and built the Internet were more concerned with perfecting it.