Introduction
The term “internet” is something that we use every day for various purposes, i.e., for browsing, sending e-mails, chatting, online work, classes, and watching videos. But have we ever thought about how does internet works behind the scenes?
In this blog, let us explore the fundamentals of how internet works and break down its complex workings into easy-to-understand concepts.
What is Internet?
The world of the internet is an expansive network that has significantly revolutionized the way we communicate, work, and conduct business. It comprises of globally interconnected computer networks that uses internet protocol suite, i.e., TCP/IP, to connect all the devices globally.
The Internet works by sending data in small “packets” to servers through cables and routers. So, when you click a link, your device requests the DNS server to find the IP addresses of the website, sends the request, and further receives the required results/data in milliseconds.
Key components of the internet include:
- Personal devices, i.e., laptops, computers, and phones
- Server, which stores data and websites
- Routers, it directs network traffic
How Does Internet Work?
The working of the internet mainly depends on transmitting data from one device to another through a structured process involving:
- Data request
- Transmission
- Response
Let us explain this in simple steps with a real-time example:
When you type the website URL in your browser. The following activities happen in the background before you get to witness the results.
- Your device sends a request to the server
- Then, the server processes your requests
- Server sends back the website data
- Finally, the browser displays the results. And, all this happens in milliseconds
Key Components of the Internet
Internet is not merely a single system, it’s a combination of several components that work together to enable global level communication. To understand how does internet works, it is essential to understand its fundamental components and how they interact with each other.
1. Devices
Devices that are connected to internet, include computers, laptops, phones, tablets, and servers. They are endpoints users interact with.
- Clients– devices such as laptops, smartphones, tabs, and computers that request information.
- Servers– manage network resources, store data, and respond to requests from clients
When you open a website, your device communicates with a server to fetch the required information.
2. IP Address
Every device that is connected to internet has a unique identifier, known as an “IP address”. It can be either static or dynamic, which is essential for routing the data across the network.
Currently, IPv4 and IPv6 are two versions of IP addresses in use.
3. Domain Name System (DNS)
Domain Name System (DNS) is like a phonebook of the internet. It translates domain names, such as google.com and youtube.com, into IP addresses that computers can easily understand.
4. Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are the companies that provide access to internet services.
Examples: mobile network companies and broadband companies
ISPs are responsible for maintaining the required infrastructure for managing internet connectivity and data traffic. While you connect to the internet, data travels through ISPs network and further connects to a wider network.
5. Routers and Modems
- Modem- Connects to the internet
- Router- Distributes the internet to various devices
Today’s routers also
- Provide wi-fi security
- Manage network traffic and speed
- Provide firewalls and parental controls
Ultimately, both ensure seamless internet connectivity.
In modern houses, you can see a combo device, i.e., a modem and router in a single box.
To put it in simple terms:
- Modem- Door to internet
- Router- Room organizer, decides who gets what
6. Switches
Switches are networking devices that connect multiple devices, like printers and servers, within a local network. It operates by receiving the incoming data packets and direct them to appropriate places within the same network.
However, switches improve communication within a network, reduce network congestion, support multiple devices, improve speed, security, and performance.
7. Data Packets
Information that is sent over the internet is fragmented into smaller pieces, with each piece called as packets. Each data packet comprises a portion of the data, the sender’s IP address, the receiver’s IP address, and other details required for data routing. And, this method allows for more efficient and faster data transmission.
8. Web Browsers
A web browser is a software that enables the users to access, interact, and fetch required information. It uses HTML, Java Script, and CSS to display the content on the website in a user-friendly format.
9. Security Measures
Security is like safely locking your house door and using alarms for added security. The same criteria apply to the internet as well. Implementing proper and timely security measures protect sensitive data from unauthorized access.
- Encryption– Consider writing a message in a coded language. If some unauthorized person tries to decode, they can’t easily understand it. So it is essential to have protocols, such as QUIC and HTTPS to encrypt the data.
- Authentication- The concept of authentication is like showing your ID card to prove who actually you are.
- Firewalls– Firewalls are quite similar to security guards, who check who is allowed to come in and who can’t.
10. Protocols
Internet works based on a set of rules, which are known as protocols. And, the most important protocols are IP (Internet Protocol) and TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)- both work together to ensure reliable data transmission.
- Internet Protocol (IP)- Routes data packets using IP addresses.
- Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)- Manages message segmentation, retransmission, and provides connection-oriented data transfer.
- User Datagram Protocol (UDP)- Fast, connectionless protocol that sends data packets without creating a prior connection.
- HyperText Transfer Protocol/Secure(HTTP/HTTPS)- They are used to transfer data between the server and the web browser. HTTP is just a plain text and makes it insecure, whereas HTTPS make use of SSL/TLS encryption to secure data by providing privacy, authentication, and integrity.
- Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP)- Send, route, and relay e-mails messages between the clients and servers.
- File Transfer Protocol (FTP)- Transfer computer files between client and server.
- Secure Shell (SSH)- Enables secure remote access and file transfer over insecure networks.
How Data Travels on Internet?
Data on the internet doesn’t move as a single large file. It is subdivided into smaller units called “packets”. Following this method, makes data transfer more reliable, efficient, and faster.
Here is a step-wise process as how data flows:
- When you type a website address in your browser, your connected device sends a request to the server, asking to provide the information required to load the website.
- Once your request is received by the server, it prepares the required data, like images, video, or text. Further, this data is divided into smaller packets, with each packet containing a portion of data along with details, like destination number and sequence number.
- These data packets do not travel through a single path, instead it travels through different routes across the networks. This entire process is further guided by internet protocols that help to find the best route for each packet.
- Even if each data packet takes different paths, eventually they arrive at a desired destination device.
- After processing the request, the server sends a response for the query in the form of packets. And, these packets again travel through various routes to reach your device.
- Once all the data packets arrive, the device reassembles the data in a proper order, allowing complete web page to be displayed on the screen.
What are Services of the Internet?
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E-mail
Email is the most widely used internet service, allowing users to send and receive e-mails instantly worldwide. Moreover, it supports various types of attachments, such as documents, videos, and images.
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Easy Access to Information
The world of internet provides access to information virtually irrespective of the topic. Users can fetch the required data within seconds.
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Online Banking
With online banking services, users can now transfer money and perform other banking activities through internet. Further, making financial transactions quicker and more efficient, saving time of visiting the bank.
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Entertainment
Internet provides easy access to your favourite music, videos, and games. Thus, it caters infinite entertainment options irrespective of age groups.
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Social Networking
Social media platforms allow people worldwide to connect, share ideas, their life happenings, and build communities. It also helps to stay updated with the global trends.
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Day-to-day Convenience
Online shopping, travel ticket booking, food delivery, and bill payments can now be easily made through the internet, all without leaving your home.
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Online Education
Availability of internet services supports online courses, virtual classrooms, and e-learning platforms. Learners can now access study materials and learn from anywhere.
Common Internet Terminologies
- URL-Web address of a page
- Server- Stores data
- DNS- Converts domain names
- IP Address- Unique device identifier
- Server- Stores data
- Browser- Tool to access websites
- Homepage- Website mainpage
- Hyperlink- Clickable images/texts that take you to another page
- Bookmark- Saved link for quick access later
- Firewall- Security system to protect your system
- Phishing- Fake attempts to steal your personal information
- VPN- Tool to browse the internet privately and securely
- Cookies- Small files that websites store to remember your preferences
- Cache- Temporary data stored to make websites load quickly
Conclusion
Internet may seem complex, but it is simply a system that allows communication and sharing data worldwide. From streaming videos to sending e-mails, online classes, and more, everything you witness online involves a series of processes that happen in the background, i.e., data requests, packets, servers, and protocols, all working together seamlessly.
Ultimately, understanding how the internet works not only satisfies our curiosity, but also helps us to use the internet more efficiently and safely.
