Difference Between WWW and Internet

Difference Between WWW and Internet

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Anshuman
Anshuman Singh
Senior Executive - Content
Updated on Feb 9, 2024 17:09 IST

The main difference between WWW and Internet is that WWW (World Wide Web or Web) is one of the various services offered by the Internet in order to share information. On the other hand, the Internet is a network of connected computers that the web runs on.

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In this article, we will explore the difference between WWW and the Internet in detail. But, before we explore WWW vs. the Internet, let’s go through the topics listed under the table of contents (TOC) that we will cover in this blog.

Table of contents (TOC)

Difference between WWW and Internet (WWW vs Internet) 

The terms WWW (Web) and Internet are so frequently confused that the key difference between the two is easily missed. So, in order to understand the difference between the Internet and WWW, let’s explore it in a tabular format.

Benchmark WWW Internet
What is it? A system for navigating the internet.  A network of connected computers that the web runs on.
Is it a service? Yes No. It is an infrastructure.
It can be viewed as a Collection of books in a store. A book store
It comprises Files, folders, etc., are stored on various computers. Fibre optic cable, wireless networks, etc.
Is it primarily based on hardware? No. It’s more software-oriented. Yes
It uses An HTTP IP address
Is it a superset? No. WWW is a subset of the Internet. Yes. Internet is superset of WWW.
Its first version is known as NSFNET ARPANET
The invention year 1989 Late 1960s
Is it dependent? Yes. Its existence depends on the Internet. No. It is an independent existence.

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What is WWW (Web)? 

WWW definition: WWW (World Wide Web) is one of the various services offered by the Internet in order to share information. 

In layman’s terms, WWW is a service that operates on the Internet and is also referred to as the Web. The term “web” refers to an extensive network of web pages connected using hyperlinks. As a result, the user can easily navigate from one page to the next in order to find the required information. When related web pages are clustered together, they form a website. In short, a website is a collection of related web pages. A web browser and the HTTP protocol are helpful in accessing webpages or websites on the World Wide Web. There are n number of webpages and websites available on the web, and some of the most common ones are e-commerce, social media, etc.

In the simplest terms, WWW or web refers to the Internet’s information retrieval service, through which information or documents are distributed and standardized across the Internet.

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What is the Internet?

Internet definition: The Internet is a network of networks, connected computers, servers, and countless devices from around the world on which the (WWW) web runs. 

The Internet is a worldwide network that helps in connecting computer networks all over the world. The Internet allows users to exchange information and resources instantly; because it is a public network, anyone can access it. It is governed by organizations such as the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), which is responsible for developing universal protocols. Various network components and network devices, such as hubs, routers, switches, bridges, repeaters, etc., are used to connect various computers on the Internet. Because the Internet equates to the physical connection of multiple devices, it has an infrastructure and is thus recognized as hardware-based.

You can also explore: The Advantages and Disadvantages of the Internet

In the simplest terms, the Internet is an extensive network of networks that connects various networks, such as academic, business, government, and non-government networks.

You can also explore: Types Of Computer Networks

You can also explore Web 3.0 – The Digital Evolution of the Internet

Key differences between WWW and the Internet

Here are the key differences between the Internet and WWW:

  • Internet is an infrastructure, whereas WWW is a service.
  • WWW is more software-oriented, but the Internet is primarily based on hardware.
  • WWW is a subset of the Internet. On the other hand, the Internet is a superset of WWW.
  • The Internet is independent, whereas WWW’s existence depends on the Internet.
  • WWW is one of the various services offered by the Internet in order to share information. On the other hand, the Internet is a network of connected computers on which the web (WWW) runs.

You can also explore Modem vs Router: Understanding the Difference

Conclusion

The significant difference between WWW and the Internet is that WWW is one of the Internet’s information-gathering services. In contrast, the Internet is a physical network made up of many other networks, such as academic, business, government, and non-government networks.

I hope that now that you know the difference between WWW and the Internet.

FAQs

What is the main difference between WWW and Internet?

The main difference between WWW and Internet is that WWW (World Wide Web or Web) is one of the various services offered by the Internet in order to share information. On the other hand, the Internet is a network of connected computers that the web runs on.

Regarding the difference between WWW and Internet, which one is software-based, and which one is hardware based?

In terms of the difference between WWW and Internet, WWW is more software-oriented, and the Internet is hardware-oriented.

Regarding the difference between WWW and Internet, which one of these two is a service?

In terms of the difference between WWW and Internet, WWW is a service, whereas the Internet is an infrastructure.

About the Author
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Anshuman Singh
Senior Executive - Content

Anshuman Singh is an accomplished content writer with over three years of experience specializing in cybersecurity, cloud computing, networking, and software testing. Known for his clear, concise, and informative wr... Read Full Bio