Final answer:
The Ethernet protocol is the common networking protocol that led to the growth and acceptance of local area networks. Its standardization in the early 1980s played a crucial role in the expansion of computer networks and the creation of the Internet.
Step-by-step explanation:
The common networking protocol that led to the growth and acceptance of local area networks is the Ethernet protocol. Ethernet became widely adopted in the 1980s for its simplicity and ability to connect multiple computers and devices over a single network. It provided a standardized way to network computers, which was crucial for the spread of LANs.
Before Ethernet, networking protocols were varied and often proprietary, which made it difficult to achieve interconnectivity between devices from different manufacturers. The standardization of communication protocols was a key factor in the expansion of computer networks. In 1982, these protocols became standardized, which was significant in the creation of the Internet. This global network of networks allowed for unprecedented connectivity and information sharing.
By the end of the 1980s, another revolutionary development occurred with the creation of the World Wide Web (WWW). The WWW consisted of interlinked hypertext web pages that hosted a multitude of media types, and it utilized the Internet to connect users around the world. The development and adoption of these technologies have had a profound impact on how we communicate and access information today.