RFC 791 (Request for Comments 791)

RFC 791 is a foundational document that formally defines the Internet Protocol (IP), which is responsible for addressing and routing data across networks. It establishes how devices identify each other with IP addresses and how data packets are structured and directed from sender to receiver. Essentially, it created the rules that enable diverse computers and devices worldwide to communicate reliably over the internet. This standard ensures interoperability, so different hardware and software can work together seamlessly in a global network.