How did TCP/IP connect separate computer networks into an Internet?

TCP/IP connected separate computer networks into an Internet by providing a standardized set of rules for data transmission, effectively creating a "network of networks."1

Developed by Vinton Cerf and Bob Kahn, this Internet protocol suite utilized an open architecture that allowed diverse, independent networks to integrate seamlessly through standardized interfaces and gateways.12

The system functions through two primary components:
* TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): Responsible for breaking data into small packets at the source and reassembling them accurately at the destination.32
* IP (Internet Protocol): Acts as a trip coordinator, handling the addressing and routing of these packets to ensure they traverse multiple networks to reach the correct destination.12

By enabling reliable communication across long distances and disparate systems, TCP/IP replaced earlier, less flexible protocols, serving as the essential backbone for the modern Internet.312