Tech

How Does The Internet Work?

June 21, 20241 Mins read

Mike

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The internet works like a massive network of interconnected computers that communicate and share information. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the key steps involved:

1. Devices and Networks:

Billions of devices like computers, phones, and tablets connect to the internet.
These devices connect to local networks, which are like mini-internets within homes, offices, or coffee shops.
Local networks connect to larger networks through routers and internet service providers (ISPs).

2. Addressing and Communication:

Each device on the internet has a unique address called an IP address, similar to a home address in the real world. This IP address helps route information to the right device.
When you try to access a website, for example, your device sends a request with the website’s address (like https://www.tremhost,com) to your ISP.

3. DNS (Domain Name System):

Websites don’t use IP addresses directly because they’re hard to remember. Imagine memorizing a long string of numbers instead of “wikipedia.org”.
The Domain Name System (DNS) acts like a phonebook for the internet. It translates user-friendly website names (URLs) into the corresponding numerical IP addresses.

4. Packets and Routing:

When your ISP receives your request, it breaks down the information you’re trying to access (website content, email, etc.) into smaller packets of data.
These packets are like envelopes containing the information and the destination address (website IP).
The packets travel across the internet through a series of routers, which act like traffic directors, reading the destination address on each packet and forwarding it towards the correct network.

5. Delivery and Response:

Routers efficiently move the packets along the fastest route available, navigating through various networks until they reach the server hosting the website you requested.
The server then processes your request, retrieves the information (webpage, email content), and sends it back to your device in the form of packets.
Your device reassembles the received packets and displays the information on your screen (loads the webpage, shows your email).

6. Behind the Scenes:

Different protocols (like TCP/IP) ensure reliable data transmission and error correction.
Web browsers play a crucial role in interpreting website code (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and displaying the information in a user-friendly way.

In essence, the internet is a complex network of devices, protocols, and infrastructure that work together to enable communication and information exchange on a global scale.