Networks of networks.
WHAT IT IS
An enormous number of independent networks, interconnected, using common protocols.
WHAT MAKES IT WORK
Agreed addressing Agreed rules for exchanging data Routing between networks
WHAT AN INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER DOES
Connects your network to the rest.
WHAT TRANSIT AND PEERING MEAN
Transit: paying a larger network to carry your traffic everywhere
Peering: exchanging traffic directly with another network
WHY THAT MATTERS
It determines the path traffic takes, and therefore its speed.
WHAT AN EXCHANGE POINT IS
A facility where networks interconnect directly.
WHY THAT MATTERS LOCALLY
Traffic between two local networks once travelled abroad and back.
WHAT NO SINGLE ENTITY DOES
Control it.
WHAT IS COORDINATED CENTRALLY
Address allocation and the naming system, through recognised bodies.
WHAT TO UNDERSTAND FOR SUPPORT
That a problem can be anywhere along a path you do not control.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Where the problem is, before attempting to fix anything.
