What is the Internet?

🌐 What is a Network?

A network is simply a group of connected devices that can communicate and share resources (like files, printers, or internet access) with each other.

🏡 LAN (Local Area Network)

This is the kind of network you likely have at home. It includes:

• A router (often combined with a switch and Wi-Fi access point)

• Devices like:

  • Phones

  • Laptops

  • Smart TVs

  • Printers

  • Smart home devices (lights, speakers, etc.)

These devices are all connected, either:

• Wired (using Ethernet cables), or

• Wireless (via Wi-Fi)

They can share files and connect to the internet through the router.

🌍 WAN (Wide Area Network)

• A WAN is a collection of LANs.

• It connects different networks over large distances.

• The Internet is the ultimate WAN — it connects millions of networks worldwide.

Internet Overview