BASIC INTERNET TERMINOLOGY!
Internet Backbone
The internet backbone was funded and managed by the National Science Foundation (NSF) during the 1980s and early 1990s. In 1991, numerous privately owned long-distance connections were established on the backbone. And in 1995, NSF withdrew completely from internet oversight.Prior to NSF, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) developed and monitored the communication system that would become the modern internet.
Internet Service Provider:
Corporate computers connect to the internet through a pc known as a gateway. The gateway establishes the connection to the internet service provider, or ISP. Home computer users are able to connect to their ISP directly, or through a router if a home network is in place.
Internet Connection:
Connection types are numerous. Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) offer high speed internet connection. Dial-up technology, using a modem is the traditional, and much slower, method of internet connection. ISDN and DSL are always on technologies, meaning that they are always connected to the ISP.Dial-up establishes a connection for the duration of use, then terminates the session, much like hanging up at the end of a telephone conversation. The establishment of the connection between the modem and ISP is sometimes called the handshake.
Network Protocols:
Network protocols determine how information is transmitted from one network computer to another. This communication is essential to many networking applications, including the Internet, Email and World Wide Web, as well as mobile telephony and home networking. The functions governed by protocols include the following:1. Determines which computer will transmit first and the way in which data is to be sent - in packets, bits, or blocks and how many.
2. Keeps track of the network details like which computer sent the packet and whose turn it is to transmit.
3. Checks whether or not an error has occurred during transmission. If there is an error does the entire transmission need to be re-sent.
4. Finds out if the message is allowed to access applications, and which ones.
5. Keeps track of the priority of the packet.
TCP/IP:
TCP/IP is the network protocol used to communicate between computers on the internet. TCP/IP governs the messages sent and received. Other protocols include Ethernet and Token Ring. However, those are used within a LAN. TCP/IP is the internet standard. TCP/IP is typically used to transmit between networks, from one LAN to another, or on a WAN. Within a LAN, Ethernet and Token Ring are more common architectures.IP Addresses:
IP, or internet protocol is the format used to transmit data between computers on the internet. Every network computer using TCP/IP is assigned an address. IP addresses are formatted in 32-bit numeric addresses written as four numbers separated by periods. Each number in the address can be from zero to 255. For example, 0.0.255.255.Human users do not typically use IP addresses directly, instead entering domain names of the computers they wish to visit. For example, www.suite101.com is a domain name.
Private addresses can be assigned by the network administrator. Using private addresses within an organization can be advantageous by aiding in the protection of network devices from hackers residing outside the firewall who do not know the addresses of devices they would like to reach.
Network Hub:
The network hub will be either a router or a repeater configuration. A repeater expands the boundaries of the existing network by repeating the signal. The router routes the packet to the correct destination, directly or via another router.Wireless Network or Wi-Fi:
Wireless networks are able to connect to the internet, in addition to traditional land line methodologies. Wireless access can be achieved via a cellular phone, laptop with a wireless modem, or a wireless router.Wireless networks are also known as wireless local area networks - WLANS - or Wi-Fi. The use of Wi-Fi in the home reduces or eliminates the problem of poor cellular service inside buildings.
Cloud Computing:
The high availability and flexible architecture of the internet allow for concepts such as cloud computing to be implemented by home users and corporations. Users are able to access their documents from any computer connected to the internet, rather than having to transport their data with them on a laptop, usb drive, or other device.
