Internetworking

Definition - What does Internetworking mean?

Internetworking is the process or technique of connecting different networks by using intermediary devices such as routers or gateway devices.

Internetworking ensures data communication among networks owned and operated by different entities using a common data communication and the Internet Routing Protocol. The Internet is the largest pool of networks geographically located throughout the world but these networks are interconnected using the same protocol stack, TCP/IP. Internetworking is only possible when the all the connected networks use the same protocol stack or communication methodologies.

Techopedia explains Internetworking

A computer network is a set of different computers connected together using networking devices such as switches and hubs. To enable communication, each individual network node or segment is configured with similar protocol or communication logic, which usually is TCP/IP. When a network communicates with another network having the same or compatible communication procedures, it is known as Internetworking.

Internetworking is also implemented using internetworking devices such as routers.These are physical hardware devices which have the ability to connect different networks and ensure error free data communication. They are the core devices enabling internetworking and are the backbone behind the Internet.