What is the Internet?

The Internet is best understood as the global physical infrastructure that includes a vast network of cables, servers, routers, and other hardware components. This infrastructure provides the foundational connectivity that allows computers and devices from around the world to communicate with one another.

When we refer to the Internet, we are talking about the physical pathways (like fiber optic cables and satellite links) that carry data packets. This infrastructure supports various protocols, such as TCP/IP, which facilitate data exchange and access to online resources. The Internet also serves as the backbone for various applications and services, such as the World Wide Web, email, and streaming services, all of which rely on this extensive network.

The other options don't accurately encapsulate the concept of the Internet. The notion of a single global software system is misleading because the Internet is not a singular software entity but rather a combination of numerous interconnected systems. Similarly, describing it as a virtual reality platform or a digital library reduces its scope significantly, as the Internet encompasses much more than just specific applications or services. Thus, defining it as the global physical infrastructure explains its role comprehensively.