how does the internet work

The internet works as a vast network of networks connecting millions of computers and devices around the world. Data sent over the internet is broken into small pieces called packets. These packets travel through complex routes via routers and switches from the source to the destination device. At the destination, packets are reassembled to form the original data. This entire communication relies on standardized protocols like IP (Internet Protocol) for routing the packets and TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) for ensuring reliable transmission in the correct order. The physical infrastructure includes cables, fiber optics, wireless signals, and satellites, while hardware like servers, routers, and client devices participate in data exchange. This distributed system allows the internet to be robust and flexible, adapting to network changes and disruptions while enabling seamless communication worldwide.