What is the internet protocol?

What is the internet protocol?
What unites the different computer networks that make up the internet is an agreement to communicate using the internet protocol. Given that the internet protocol is named after and defines the internet, you might think that it was somewhat important. And it is. But just as interesting as the internet protocol itself is what the internet protocol does not do.

Credits: Talking: Geoffrey Challen (Assistant Professor, Computer Science and Engineering, University at Buffalo). Producing: Greg Bunyea (Undergraduate, Computer Science and Engineering, University at Buffalo).

Part of the https://www.internet-class.org online internet course. A blue Systems Research Group (https://blue.cse.buffalo.edu) production.