Hey! Readers,
Firstly, I introduced myself as a tech enthusiast. Let me tell you why: I am always very curious about new technologies and tech-related things. Recently I was thinking about how this crazy internet stuff works. And why we are very dependent on it.
Have you ever imagined or thought about this thing, the “Internet”? 🤔
I hope you did. 🤞🏼If you didn't let me tell you👉🏼
So, the very first question is, “What does this thing known as the Internet mean? “ - It is a global network that is interconnected to other networks or, in simple words, different computer networks (servers). That allows devices to communicate with each other using some standardized protocols (TCP/IP).
Let me give you an example: if you use the Google search feature to search for something and after some milliseconds it gives you appropriate results. How does that happen? Or we use different social media platforms to share posts and reels or YouTube to watch videos in our day-to-day lives.
How does this all work?
How do you see the videos on YouTube?
How does the reel of one device show on another's device?
All of this happening with the help of the “INTERNET” Now you know about the internet. You may say you talk about the internet, but what is a network?
A network is basically a connection between multiple devices, like your computer, mobile, smartwatch, and tablets. Which are connected in the form of a network to communicate with each other.
Let me tell you more about the Internet ➡️
The internet began in the 1960s with ARPANET, a U.S. government project using packet switching for secure communication. Further, it evolved and introduced standardized protocols like TCP/IP to communicate between devices.
In 1980, it introduced the DNS (Domain Name System). In 1990, Tim Berners-Lee created the WWW (World Wide Web), which transformed accessibility and opened the way for the development of websites, browsers, and e-commerce. With the growth of social media, cloud computing, mobile access, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things, the Internet has expanded rapidly since the 2000s, changing everyday life and international communication.
You may say, What are packet switching, TCP/IP, DNS, and WWW? Let me tell you
- Packet switching: Packet switching is a method of sending data over a network by breaking it into small pieces called packets. Each packet travels independently to its destination, where they are reassembled into the original data (like a message or file). This makes data transfer faster, more efficient, and more flexible, even if some network paths are busy.
TCP/IP: The Transmission Control Protocol, or TCP, divides data into tiny packets, transmits them, and makes sure they arrive correctly and in the right order.
Internet Protocol, or IP, ensures that packets reach their intended location by acting as an address system.
DNS: DNS (Domain Name System) functions similarly to a phone book on the internet. It converts easily readable website names, such as google.com, into IP addresses, which computers use to locate and connect to websites, such as 172.217.10.14. In the absence of DNS, accessing websites would require you to memorize complicated numbers rather than straightforward names.
WWW: The World Wide Web (WWW) is a system of linked web pages you access through the internet using a browser. It lets you browse, shop, and learn online.
How does the internet work? 🤔
The internet will connect billions of devices worldwide to communicate and exchange data.
It establishes a connection between devices connected to the Internet through Internet Service Providers (ISPs) using fiber optic cables.
When you visit any website, it will send a request to the server using your browser with the help of the Internet.
Then the DNS (Domain Name System) will help to convert the website name (abc.com) into an understandable IP address to send to the server.
After that, the data packets will navigate through the routers and network to the server.
The server will respond appropriately to your browser based on your requested IP address.
And in the end, you will see a response in the form of a webpage or a file you want.
Why is the Internet important? 🤔
Worldwide Communication:
helps to break down geographical borders and connect billions of people worldwide.
makes it possible to communicate instantly via video calls, messaging apps, and email.
Information Access:
provides extensive information on any subject through educational platforms, online libraries, and search engines.Encourages ongoing education and skill improvement.
The Economy and Business:
encourages international trade, e-commerce, and distant work.
makes use of global markets and digital tools to facilitate entrepreneurship and innovation.
Education and Learning:
provides self-paced learning resources, virtual classrooms, and online courses.
makes learning easier, especially in isolated places.
Entertainment:
offers platforms for social media, games, music, and movie streaming.
permits content sharing and creativity for creators everywhere.
Healthcare:
encourages the use of health resources, including telemedicine.
helps patients maintain their health information online and communicate with clinicians.