The internet is an internetwork—​a network of computer networks. When discussing routing, we sometimes refer to these independent networks asautonomous systems. Each autonomous system is responsible for routing packets internally. To travel across the broader internet, packets must traverse multiple autonomous systems. So it is more accurate to think of internet routing as happening across autonomous systems, rather than between individual computers. So yes: the internet is an internetwork—​a network of computer networks!

Credits: Talking: Geoffrey Challen (Assistant Professor, Computer Science and Engineering, University at Buffalo). Producing: Greg Bunyea (Undergraduate, Computer Science and Engineering, University at Buffalo).

Part of the www.internet-class.org/ online internet course. A blue Systems Research Group (blue.cse.buffalo.edu/) production.