INTERNET

What is the internet?

The internet, sometimes simply called the net, is a worldwide system of interconnected computer networks and electronic devices that communicate with each other using an established set of protocols.

The internet was conceived by the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) of the U.S. government in 1969. ARPA was later renamed the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in 1972. DARPA's first known packet-switching network was known as the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET). The original goal was to create a network that would let users of a research computer at one university talk to research computers at other universities. A side benefit of ARPANET's design was that because messages could be routed or rerouted in more than one direction, the network could continue to function even if parts of it were destroyed in the event of a military attack or other disaster.

History of the internet

In 1983, the ARPANET began using the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) open networking protocol suite and in 1985, the National Science Foundation Network designed the network to connect university computer science departments around the U.S.

Communications over the internet greatly improved in 1989 when the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) was created, enabling different computer platforms to connect to the same internet sites. In 1993, the Mosaic web browser was created.

How the internet works

The process of transferring information over the internet from one device to another relies on packet switching. The internet is a packet-routing network that uses IP and TCP protocols for communication. When a person visits a website, their computer or mobile device sends a request to the server over one of these protocols.

The following examines how the process works:

• Every device attempting to access the internet is initially linked either physically through cables or wirelessly. For instance, a computer can establish a physical connection to a modem using an Ethernet cable or connect wirelessly through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth signals.
• Each computer connected to the internet is also assigned a unique IP address that enables the device to be recognized.
• When one device attempts to send a message to another device, the data is sent over the internet in the form of packets and each packet is assigned a port number that will connect it to its endpoint.

The main components of the internet

The internet is comprised of hardware, software and various protocols. The following are the primary components of the internet:

• Client or endpoint devices. These are the multitude of interconnected components or clients that access and contribute to the internet. These can include computers, smartphones, tablets, routers, web servers and IoT devices.
• Servers. Servers are the computers that provide services or share stored resources with the client devices. Their main job is to comply with client requests by providing the requested information or performing the requested tasks.
• Internet protocols. To retrieve the required data on the internet, a set of guidelines and procedures known as protocols must be adhered to as they guarantee accurate and effective data transmission. Common internet protocols include IP, TCP/IP, HTTP, HTTP Secure (HTTPS) and file transfer protocol. Other protocols, such as Session Initiation Protocol for voice-over IP, Post Office Protocol 3 (POP3) and Internet Message Access Protocol for email are also used.
• IP addresses. IP addresses are used to identify devices on the internet. These can include IPv4 addresses such as 192.168.1.1, which is the default IP address many router manufacturers use to access a router's interface. IPv4 addresses are shorter than IPv6 addresses, which are designed to handle the increasing number of connected devices.
• Routers. Routers forward data packets between computer networks. By using routing tables, routers determine the best routes or paths for data transfer between devices.
• Domain name system. DNS converts human-readable domain names, such as www.example.com, into machine-readable IP addresses. It also acts as a decentralized directory that helps users navigate the internet.
• Web browsers. Web browsers or search engines -- including Apple Safari, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge and Mozilla Firefox -- let users access and engage with material on the internet and also decipher and present web pages to them.
• ISPs. ISPs are companies that provide users with internet connectivity. They operate the infrastructure, including the cables and routers needed to connect users to the global network.
• Social media platforms. Social media platforms, such as Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram, let users connect, share content and communicate with people all over the world.
• Firewalls and security measures. Incoming and outgoing network traffic on the internet is monitored and controlled by different types of security firewalls and security measures. Firewalls safeguard networks and devices against unauthorized internet access, cyber threats and malicious activities.

Uses of the internet

In general, the internet can be used to communicate across large or small distances, share information from any place in the world, and access information or answers to almost any question in moments.

Some specific examples of how the internet is used include the following:

• Social media and content sharing.
• Email and other forms of communication, such as Internet Relay Chat, internet telephony, instant messaging and video conferencing.
• Education and self-improvement through access to online degree programs, courses and workshops.
• Searching for jobs -- both employers and applicants use the internet to post open positions, apply for jobs and recruit individuals found on social networking sites such as LinkedIn.
• Entertainment such as streaming TV shows, movies, videos and music.
• Remote working using online collaboration platforms and messaging.

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