Correct, it's much easier to bring the internet down than people think. Some BGP routers disabled, coupled with a few select fiber lines and that would be that.
And back on the topic, DNS isn't the "internet", generally speaking, it's a tool to help humans -- it simply maps human readable names to IP addresses, yes some of us know there is more, but that is it's purpose in a nutshell. The internet and internal networks do not require DNS to function, it's all about the IP packets(TCP and UDP), a connection method(wire, fiber, radio wave) and some hardware addressing.
As with anything posted on this site, don't take everything here as gospel, do yourselves a little favor and engage in some reading up on the networking topic or watch a video. Even if you aren't a crusty old engineer, the high level view is pretty fascinating on how it all works, and the origination of why there is even an Internet today. Also read up on the history of unix/BSD/solaris/linux, and you will get a pretty decent idea of how your OS works, even shitty windows.
Also, the WWW isn't the "internet" either. There's also FTP, Telnet, Gopher, Ping, Finger, and more. Also, there are still a number of old-time BBS systems still working via dialup. US Robotics still makes modems, but they are USB dongles now. You can get one for less than $40. But you'll need to research the BBS numbers now before the info is gone.
I was on the internet before the WWW. There's nothing like using telnet to run software on a computer physically located halfway around the world, or using finger to see how many Cokes are in the drink machine in a physics building at some university in another state.
I would never be without a landline. I don't use a cellphone/tracking device. During storms, the electricity goes out and then the cell towers lose power. The regular phone system has battery backup. I have never had my phone service interrupted by a storm, even in the middle of a hurricane. Anyway, my internet comes through the phone lines.
It might be time to consider getting a landline just as a backup.
Correct, it's much easier to bring the internet down than people think. Some BGP routers disabled, coupled with a few select fiber lines and that would be that.
And back on the topic, DNS isn't the "internet", generally speaking, it's a tool to help humans -- it simply maps human readable names to IP addresses, yes some of us know there is more, but that is it's purpose in a nutshell. The internet and internal networks do not require DNS to function, it's all about the IP packets(TCP and UDP), a connection method(wire, fiber, radio wave) and some hardware addressing.
As with anything posted on this site, don't take everything here as gospel, do yourselves a little favor and engage in some reading up on the networking topic or watch a video. Even if you aren't a crusty old engineer, the high level view is pretty fascinating on how it all works, and the origination of why there is even an Internet today. Also read up on the history of unix/BSD/solaris/linux, and you will get a pretty decent idea of how your OS works, even shitty windows.
PS IPX/SPX sucks.
Also, the WWW isn't the "internet" either. There's also FTP, Telnet, Gopher, Ping, Finger, and more. Also, there are still a number of old-time BBS systems still working via dialup. US Robotics still makes modems, but they are USB dongles now. You can get one for less than $40. But you'll need to research the BBS numbers now before the info is gone.
I was on the internet before the WWW. There's nothing like using telnet to run software on a computer physically located halfway around the world, or using finger to see how many Cokes are in the drink machine in a physics building at some university in another state.
I imagine many are like our household. We no longer have a landline and dialup is unfortunately out of the question.
I would never be without a landline. I don't use a cellphone/tracking device. During storms, the electricity goes out and then the cell towers lose power. The regular phone system has battery backup. I have never had my phone service interrupted by a storm, even in the middle of a hurricane. Anyway, my internet comes through the phone lines.
It might be time to consider getting a landline just as a backup.