[Air-l] Origin of the term "Internet" ?

[Robert Mason]

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 at listserv.aoir.org
[mailto:air-l-bounces at listserv.aoir.org] On Behalf Of Robert Cannon
Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2007 8:32 AM
To: air-l at 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


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