How is the Internet best described?

The Internet is best described as a global physical infrastructure of hardware components. This perspective recognizes that the Internet comprises a vast network of interconnected devices, including servers, routers, switches, and the various transmission media (such as fiber optics and satellites) that facilitate communication between users around the world.

By understanding the Internet in this way, one appreciates the importance of the physical connections that underpin all online activities. It is not just about the websites or content accessible online, which are dependent on this hardware infrastructure. Similarly, while there are software systems used for browsing, the true nature of the Internet extends beyond software to the foundational hardware that enables data to move from one point to another globally.

Additionally, the concept of a local network pertains to a much smaller and more confined arrangement, unlike the comprehensive global network that the Internet constitutes. Therefore, viewing the Internet as a global physical infrastructure accurately captures its essence and operational scope.