{"id":232634,"date":"2025-12-04T15:51:36","date_gmt":"2025-12-04T15:51:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.internetsociety.org\/?page_id=232634"},"modified":"2025-12-18T15:56:24","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T15:56:24","slug":"how-the-internet-works","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.internetsociety.org\/our-work\/how-the-internet-works\/","title":{"rendered":"How the Internet Works"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How the Internet Works<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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The Internet is a global network of networks.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Internet is a global network of networks.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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When the Internet is functioning as intended, any user can access any part of it, no matter where they are in the world. It consists of tens of thousands of interconnected networks run by service providers, companies, universities, governments, and individuals. All of these actors contribute to the continued development and adoption of Internet technologies, standards, and policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Open, transparent, and collaborative processes, along with decentralized ownership, make the global Internet what it is.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n

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How the Internet Works<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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The Internet is a global network of networks.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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When the Internet is functioning as intended, any user can access any part of it, no matter where they are in the world. It consists of tens of thousands of interconnected networks run by service providers, companies, universities, governments, and individuals. All of these actors contribute to the continued development and adoption of Internet technologies, standards, and policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Open, transparent, and collaborative processes, along with decentralized ownership, make the global Internet what it is.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n

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Key Links on How the Internet Works<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Key Links on How the Internet Works<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Internet Way of Networking<\/h3><\/div>

The Internet Way of Networking is our description of the Internet\u2019s basic architecture and practices. Learn more about its unique foundation.<\/p>

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Open Internet Standards<\/h3><\/div>

The Internet is fundamentally based on voluntary, open standards. They are key to allowing devices, services, and applications to interconnect.<\/p>

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Measuring the Internet<\/h3><\/div>

We need accurate and consistent data and analysis to understand how the Internet is performing and evolving. Internet Society Pulse consolidates trusted, third-party Internet data into a single website.<\/p>

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Internet Technologies<\/h3><\/div>

Internet technologies are continually evolving to provide faster and more secure online experiences.<\/p>

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Multistakeholder Approach<\/h3><\/div>

The multistakeholder approach to Internet governance has grown from the Internet\u2019s own DNA and is what allows it to thrive.<\/p>

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History of the Internet<\/h3><\/div>

The Internet has revolutionized technology and communications. Read more about its journey to become the beneficial tool we know today.<\/p>

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Who Runs the Internet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Who Runs the Internet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The Internet is a global resource. Every day, decisions about it impact who gets to use it where, how, and at what cost. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Running the Internet with input and representation from multiple parties ensures that the Internet remains a tool that favors no one group and allows for permissionless innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Learn More<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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