Which term best describes the connection of multiple computer networks into a single entity?

The term that best describes the connection of multiple computer networks into a single entity is the Internet. The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to link devices worldwide. It encompasses a vast array of public, private, academic, business, and government networks, all of which operate together to share information and resources.

The Internet functions as a heterogeneous blend of numerous networks, thereby allowing for communication and data exchange across different platforms and technologies. This collective nature of the Internet means that it can integrate a diverse set of networks—small or large, local or global—into a cohesive whole.

In contrast, ARPANET refers specifically to a precursor to the Internet that was developed by the U.S. Department of Defense in the late 1960s and was primarily for research purposes. A Local Area Network (LAN) is more limited in scope, usually covering a small geographic area such as a home or office building, and is not designed to connect multiple networks on a broader scale. A Wide Area Network (WAN) spans a larger geographic area than a LAN but does not encompass the vast interconnectivity that the Internet provides. Therefore, while both LAN and WAN connect networks, they do not achieve