The Backbone of the Internet?

Yes, the Internet has a backbone, and it's something we rely on everyday...

Internet backbone - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

"The Internet backbone refers to the principal data routes between large, strategically interconnected networks and core routers on the Internet. These data routes are hosted by commercial, government, academic and other high-capacity network centers, the Internet exchange points and network access points, that interchange Internet traffic between the countries, continents and across the oceans of the world. Internet service providers (often Tier 1 networks) participate in Internet backbone exchange traffic by privately negotiated interconnection agreements, primarily governed by the principle of settlement-free peering."

'via Blog this'

Read the articles linked above on the Internet backbone.  Click on the links in the Wikipedia page to further enhance your understanding of this subject.  

Once you have a good grasp of the topic, answer the questions below:

• What, exactly, is the "backbone" of the internet? 

• How long has it existed? 

• Why is this structure so important, and what impact does it have on our way of life?
• How is the computer you are using right now connected to the backbone?

Technology COS alignment:

10.) Analyze capabilities and limitations of current and emerging technologies.
• Assessing effects of technology on culture, economics, politics, and the environment
• Comparing capabilities of various technologies to address personal, social, lifelong learning, and career needs