How the Internet Operates and Evolves

Jul 4, 2024

How the Internet Works

Key Concepts

Definition of the Internet

  • The word "Internet" is derived from "Interconnected Networks."
  • It is a network of networks where many devices are interconnected and communicate with each other.

History of the Internet

  • It started in the 1960s, with a project by the Defense Department called "ARPANET".
  • ARPANET introduced the process of sending data in small packets, making the data more secure and robust.
  • In the 1980s, the Domain Name System (DNS) and the World Wide Web were developed.
  • In the 1990s, the commercialization of the Internet began, and services like email, messaging, and online shopping became available.
  • In the 2000s, social media and mobile internet rose to prominence.

The Internet Today

  • Today, we use the internet for sending tax documents, video calls, audio calls, data sharing, and many other things.

Internet Service Provider (ISP)

  • ISPs are those who provide you access to the internet, such as Airtel, Jio, BSNL, etc.
  • Through ISPs, you connect to the internet.
  • ISPs are classified on local, regional, and national levels.

Client-Server Model

  • Interaction between client and server is understood, where the client requests data from the server or updates resources.
  • The client can make various types of requests, such as GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, etc.
  • The server processes the request and sends a response.

Protocol Stack

  • Data is divided into many small packets that are sent over the network.
  • Each layer has a specific task, such as assigning port numbers, addressing the destination IP address, etc.

Application Layer

  • Protocols used by specific applications such as SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol), HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).

Transport Layer (TCP)

  • Determines the port number to interact with specified applications.

Network Layer (IP)

  • Includes the IP address to deliver the data to the destination machine.

Domain Name System (DNS)

  • Converts the domain name into an IP address, enabling server identification.
  • Example: Converting www.google.com into its corresponding IP address.

Easy-to-Understand Example

  • Ramesh used the Flower War website to send flowers, but if the address is unknown, the flowers cannot be sent; similarly, an IP address is necessary to send data over the internet.

Homework for Further Study

  • Networking devices: Switch, Hub, Router, Modem.
  • OSI Model and TCP/IP Model
  • IP Addressing (IPv4 vs IPv6)

In Summary

  • The functioning of the internet involves a combination of protocols and layers.
  • These layers help deliver data securely and effectively.
  • The client-server model focuses on data requests and responses.
  • ISPs play a crucial role at all levels of the internet.