Can the internet ever be switched off?

Question

What would take for it to be switched off - people not working? Can it be forever relied upon? Is this then the same for radio and TV?

Answer 1

It is unlikely that the entire internet could be disabled by something as simple as, say, the flick of a switch. The internet is exactly what it sounds like, an interconnected system of otherwise independent networks. Someone would have to disable every major backbone that joins large groups of these networks together. I think a global EMP (electromagnetic pulse), perhaps caused by a severe solar disturbance or a worldwide nuclear attack might possibly do it, but then I think we'd have a lot more to worry about than whether or not we could check our email.

Answer 2

electromagnetic pulse from the sun should do the trick

Answer 3

yes........i will........don't ask this agsin

Answer 4

Internet is working on a source of energy. There was a time when there was no Internet. When this methodology was found out, people started using it. But it is said that certain Electro magnetic energies overpower other energies. For example, The electromagnetic spectrum has various energies enlisted according to its frequency range. Infra Red, Ultra violet, Short Wave, Radio Wave etc., are examples. But still the spectrum is incomplete because we have not found out energies of certain frequencies. If one such energy is found out, the energy with which the communications are transmitted may come to a stand still. Who knows. When certain natural calamities occur, Like cyclones, it is said that it interferes with certain other energies. So there is a natural possibility of stopping Internet communication.

Or else, if the electricity fails all over the world, the Internet can come to a stop. let me ask you why this question? What is the objective? Constructive or destructive?  Think only of positive things. That builds. Other thoughts just destroys... not only time but energy, and money.

Answer 5

when a comet strikes the earth taking out all power, sending us back to the dark ages than maybe

Answer 6

i dont think so... the internet's huge

Answer 7

THe internet is actually powered mostly by about 15 super computers, if they all go down it would as well. There was a virus a few years ago that knocked only a few of them out and it slowed the net way down.

Answer 8

It would take a major power loss and several servers being cut down for this to occur.

Answer 9

"I think a global EMP (electromagnetic pulse), perhaps caused by a severe solar disturbance or a worldwide nuclear attack might possibly do it, but then I think we'd have a lot more to worry about than whether or not we could check our email."

bahah, Oh hang on whats this half of Australia was blown up by a nuke, wait lemme check my email.

Best answer ever.

Answer 10

I don't think it would be ever turned off because it's such a huge thing that many many people rely on.

However, that's a pretty interesting question....I wonder? I couldn't imagine being without it.

Answer 11

No the internet doesn't have one place the information comes from.  You can disconnect yourself from the internet, but the internet is still there, just like tv and radio... it's on standby, if you will...