Explained: The Internet vs. the Web
The internet has revolutionised how we work, learn, communicate, and entertain ourselves. Whether you are reading this on a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, you are using the internet right now.
Despite using it every day, many of us would struggle to define it precisely. Is it a cloud? A network of wires? And is it the same as the "World Wide Web"?
In this post, we’ll look at what the internet is and how it differs from the World Wide Web.
So, What Exactly is the Internet?
The Internet is a global network of connected computers. Think of it as a vast transport system linking cities and countries worldwide.
- The Infrastructure: Just as we have roads, highways, and tunnels for cars and trains, the Internet relies on a complex system of cables, fibre optics, satellites, and wireless connections.
- The Traffic: Instead of transporting people or physical goods, this digital highway carries data between devices.
When your device connects to the Internet, it joins this massive network of networks, linking it to millions of other computers, servers, routers, and switches worldwide.
The Internet vs. The World Wide Web: What’s the Difference?
You will often hear people use the terms "Internet" and "Web" interchangeably, but they are actually two different things.
If the Internet is the physical road system (the infrastructure), then the World Wide Web (WWW) represents the shops, libraries, and houses built along those roads.
- The Internet is a network that enables information to travel.
- The Web is the collection of websites, pages, and digital resources you access using that connection.
A Brief History of the Web
The World Wide Web was created in 1989 by Sir Tim Berners-Lee, a British computer scientist. He invented it to make it easier for people to access and share information online. Today, the Web consists of billions of pages, images, and videos stored on computers called servers that are always on and always connected.
Watch: This video by Twila Camp of TedEd provides an excellent visual explanation of the relationship between the Internet and the Web:
How Do We Navigate the Web?
To access the "shops and libraries" of the Web, you need a Web Browser. Common browsers include Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Mozilla Firefox.
Navigating The Web: Hyperlinks
One of the key features of the Web is hyperlinks. These are the clickable text or buttons that transport you instantly from one page to another. They connect resources like a spider's web, allowing you to jump from a news article in Ireland to a recipe blog in Mumbai with a single click.
How Does It All Work Together?
Here is a simplified step-by-step of what happens when you visit a website:
- The Request: You type a web address (like www.google.com) into your browser.
- The Journey: Your computer sends a request across the internet's "roads" to find the Server that hosts that website.
- The Delivery: The server receives your request, retrieves the website data, and sends it back to your device.
- The Display: Your browser takes that data and translates it into the visual text and images you see on your screen.
It’s Not Just About Websites
While the World Wide Web is the most popular way we use the internet, it isn't the only way. The internet infrastructure supports many different "protocols" (methods of communication), including:
- Email: Sending messages directly from one user to another.
- Streaming: Watching movies on Netflix or listening to Spotify (often bypassing traditional web browsers via apps).
- VoIP: Voice calls over the internet, like Skype or Zoom.
- File Transfer: Moving large files between computers.
- IoT (Internet of Things): Smart devices like your doorbell, thermostat, or fridge communicate with your phone.
What does the Web and the Internet do for us?
The internet acts as a never-ending library. It offers endless entertainment, instant answers to obscure questions, and the ability to speak to loved ones on the other side of the planet for free.
However, this constant connectivity comes with challenges:
- Information Overload: With so much data available, it can be hard to determine what is fact from fiction (fake news).
- Security: The internet has risks like viruses and data theft.
- Well-being: Balancing our digital lives with our physical lives is a struggle many face today.
Summary
The Internet is the massive infrastructure that connects the world, while the World Wide Web is the way we access the information stored upon it. Together, they have created a digital revolution that continues to evolve every day.
Interested in learning more? Now that you know what the internet is, you need to know how to get on it. Our second post in this series discusses Connecting to the Internet – click here to read more.
FAQ's
What is the Internet?
The Internet is a global network of connected devices (computers, servers, phones) that enables communication and information sharing. It is the physical infrastructure—cables and wireless signals—that connects the world.
What is the World Wide Web?
The World Wide Web (WWW) is a collection of interconnected documents and digital resources (such as websites) accessible via the internet. If the internet is the tracks, the Web is the train running on them.
Who owns the Internet?
No single person, company, or government owns the internet. It is a decentralised network of networks, though various organisations help manage the technology standards to keep it running smoothly.