IP is the acronym of "Internet Protocol". This protocol was designed in 70's with the purpose of connecting computers that were in separate networks. Since then, computers were connected each other by means of local networks, but theses local networks were separated, representing information island.

Internet, as a name to designate the protocol, and later the worldwide information network, just means "inter network", that is, connection between networks. At the beginning, the protocol had an only military use, but computers from universities, users and enterprises were quickly added.

Internet as worldwide information network is the result of the practical application of the IP protocol, that is, the result of the interconnection of all information networks existing in the world.