Home phone and internet service has come a long way since it was introduced back in the 1990s.
. Since then, this so-called information superhighway has made life more convenient for millions of people around the world. Communication, for one, has improved tremendously allowing people in separate locations to connect and interact in real time at little or no cost.
Owing to this and many other factors, frequent users would claim now that life would not be complete without this technology.
Today, various financial transactions can be easily done over the internet in the comfort of one’s home or office without requiring people to travel. As such, the technology is considered a great time and money saver.
But while many active users think they know so much about the internet already, it may not always be the case. For instance, have you ever asked yourself how this technology work and what goes on in the back end? If you still pause and ponder, you may not really be in the know.
Not to worry, though, because we’ll let you in on how the internet functions.
The Internet
Basically, the internet is made up of two major components. These are the hardware and the protocols.
The hardware consists of the cables, routers, servers, cell phone towers, satellites, radios and smartphone. These devices are vital to create a network. The cables play a crucial role of carrying information every second to the computer.
The other most important component are the protocols or the sets of rules being followed by machines to complete their tasks. Ensuring a smooth flow of communication between the devices involved is their main function. In short, they set the method and language for machines to enable them to transmit data.
Protocols come in different types. The two most important of them, though, are the Internet Protocol (IP) and the transmission control protocol (TCP). Other types you may be familiar with are the hypertext transfer protocol and the file transfer protocol (FTP).
Data Transmission
The way data is transmitted over the internet can be complicated. But basically, the web server plays a major role here.
As you open your web browser and connect to a site, an electronic request is then sent out to the internet service provider (ISP). It is the ISP then that connects to the server to bring you to the right website and retrieve data.
Files (data) normally travel by packets ranging between 1,000 and 1,500 bytes. Take note, however, that these packets can travel in different paths and may sometimes encounter congested areas which can delay information getting to you.
It is of utmost importance then to subscribe to a fast internet connection. Regular updating of your software is also helpful in ensuring you easily connect to the web and get the information you need.
About the guest author:
Dan has been writing for the internet since 2005 and is often on the lookout for new ISPs. Visit www.clearhighspeedinternetservice.com to learn how to get fast internet access.