The Internet

Definition

Internet

ˈɪntənɛt/

Noun

a global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities, consisting of interconnected networks using standardized communication protocols.

Source: www.google.com

Domain Names and IP Addresses• An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a unique set of

numbers given to a device which connects to the internet to identify it.

• IP addresses are used in the same sort of way as postal addresses, as they are used to send data to specific devices, just as you would a letter to a house.

• Domain names are used as they are easier for humans to use. They are what you type in to the address bar on your browser to connect to a website.

• When you type in a domain name (eg www.google.com) it is sent to a domain name server (DNS) which finds the correct IP address to get you on to the website.

Source: www.howstuffworks.com

Data Packets and Packet Switching

• Data Packets are pieces of information that have been broken up into separate bits. The size of the packets typically range from 512 bits upwards.

• The packets travel through the network and are reassembled in the correct way on the receiving device.

• Packets are used as they are more reliable; if there is a problem in a network, they can be diverted around it. Also, if one is missing, the device only needs to ask for the particular one to be resent.

Source: www.webopedia.com

Routers

• Routers are used to transfer data from network to network. It transfers data in the most efficient way to it’s destination.

• It does this by looking at the data’s destination and finding the least congested route to send it down.

• Routers can also filter information (to find malware etc) and exchange protocol information across networks.

Source: www.teach-ict.com