How does the internet work?

Answer: Data packets route globally

Radio waves carry everything — Wrong. While WiFi uses radio waves locally, the internet backbone uses fiber optic cables across continents.

Data packets route globally ✓ — Correct! Data is split into small packets that travel independently across networks, possibly taking different routes. Routers direct packets toward their destination. This system survives failures—if one path breaks, packets find another way!

Phone lines connect everyone — Wrong. Modern internet uses fiber optic cables, not phone lines. Phone networks and internet are separate systems.