Enough probably has been said on this, but I'll add my two cents: I agree with the latest posting: "the" Internet (capital I) is the interconnected network of networks that is (mostly) publicly accessible; "an" internet is any interconnected network (including intranets) using IP. I find the distinction useful in teaching; the vocabulary helps keep discussions focused. However, in practice, it may become a lost cause (akin to the growing use of the word "hopefully" that is ambiguous at best), with "the internet" having widespread use. Bob -----Original Message----- From: air-l-bounces@listserv.aoir.org [mailto:air-l-bounces@listserv.aoir.org] On Behalf Of Robert Cannon Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2007 8:32 AM To: air-l@listserv.aoir.org Subject: Re: [Air-l] Origin of the term "Internet" ? "Internet" is a proper noun, a name, of a particular computer network that was initiated in Oct 1969 by DOD ARPA and has since that time had a well defined existence - that computer network is defined by a single addressing scheme currently administered by ICANN and the community that is a part of it. People join the network; people leave the network; but it is one network. On Jan 1, 1981 (or 82, I always forget), pursuant to DOD procurement specs, the ARPANet migrated to IPv4. There are MANY "internets." An internet is a network that implements the TCP/IP network. It is distinguished from THE INTERNET in that it is not interconnected with The Internet and does not share in The Internet's singular addressing scheme. Level3, for example, runs an IP backbone that is not interconnected with The Internet. This is a private network and it is an "internet" network. I can connect two computers using IP - they are not interconnected with The Internet and therefore are an "internet." Note, I do not really consider Wired an authority on this subject. Wired is a pop magazine that writes teaser articles to get people to read ads. There are many stories concerning the origin of the name "Internet." According to NERDS 2.0.1, p. 111, "The protocol they [Cerf and Kahn] invented is known by its initials, TCP/IP - standing for the mouthful Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. It is significant historically for originating the use of the term *Internet*, in about 1973, as a handy abbreviation for the "inter-networking of networks."" For more information on "Internet" and its definition, see http://www.cybertelecom.org/notes/internet_definition.htm and particularly "Will The Real Internet Please Stand Up?" http://www.cybertelecom.org/notes/internetreal.htm Thanks =~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~= Cybertelecom :: Federal Internet Law & Policy www.cybertelecom.org Washington hOCKEY Wiki wockey.stikipad.com News Tryouts Clubs Leagues Pickup Rinks Info _______________________________________________ The air-l@listserv.aoir.org mailing list is provided by the Association of Internet Researchers http://aoir.org Subscribe, change options or unsubscribe at: http://listserv.aoir.org/listinfo.cgi/air-l-aoir.org Join the Association of Internet Researchers: http://www.aoir.org/