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The Internet is a global collection of networks, both big and small. These networks connect together in many different ways to form the single entity that we know as the Internet. In fact, the very name comes from this idea of interconnected networks. Since its beginning in 1969, the Internet has grown from four host computer systems to tens of millions. However, just because nobody owns the Internet, it doesn't mean it is not monitored and maintained in different ways. The Internet Society, a non-profit group established in 1992, oversees the formation of the policies and protocols that define how we use and interact with the Internet The term internet backbone is often used to describe the main network connections composing the internet. Generally when we mention the term, we are referring to the main pipes along which data is transferred: a larger transmission line that carries data gathered from smaller lines that interconnect with each other. It is a set of paths that local or regional networks connect to for long-distance interconnection. These connection points are known as network nodes or telecommunication data switching exchanges (DSEs). Most large communications companies have their own dedicated backbones connecting between various regions.
However, Internet backbone can also be described as a group of communications networks managed by several commercial companies that provide the major high-speed links to the internet; the central data transmission lines. The backbone is not operated by any one company or government though companies operate components of the Internet backbone). ISPs are either connected directly to these backbones or to a larger regional ISP that is connected to one. The backbones themselves are interconnected at various access points called "NAPs". NAPS (Network Access Point) is a junction point where major Internet service providers interconnect with each other. A connection at one or more of these NAPs means "connected to the Internet."
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