How does the internet work?

Kamran Ahmed · Improve this Guide

Since the explosive growth of web-based applications, every developer stands to benefit from understanding how the Internet works. Through this article and its accompanying introductory series of short videos about the Internet from code.org, you will learn the basics of the Internet and how it works. After going through this article, you will be able to answer the following questions:

• What is the Internet?
• How does the information move on the internet?
• How do the networks talk to each other and the protocols involved?
• What’s the relationship between packets, routers, and reliability?
• HTTP and the HTML – How are you viewing this webpage in your browser?
• How is the information transfer on the internet made secure?
• What is cybersecurity and what are some common internet crimes?

What is the Internet?

The Internet is a global network of computers connected to each other which communicate through a standardized set of protocols.

In the video below, Vint Cerf, one of the “fathers of the internet,” explains the history of how the Internet works and how no one person or organization is really in charge of it.

Wires, Cables, and Wi-Fi

Information on the Internet moves from one computer to another in the form of bits over various mediums, including Ethernet cables, fiber optic cables, and wireless signals (i.e., radio waves).

In the video linked below, you will learn about the different mediums for data transfer on the Internet and the pros and cons for each.

IP Addresses and DNS

Now that you know about the physical medium for the data transfer over the internet, it’s time to learn about the protocols involved. How does the information traverse from one computer to another in this massive global network of computers?

In the video below, you will get a brief introduction to IP, DNS, and how these protocols make the Internet work.

Packets, Routing, and Reliability

Information transfer on the Internet from one computer to another does not need to follow a fixed path; in fact, it may change paths during the transfer. This information transfer is done in the form of packets and these packets may follow different routes depending on certain factors.

In this video, you will learn about how the packets of information are routed from one computer to another to reach the destination.

HTTP and HTML

HTTP is the standard protocol by which webpages are transferred over the Internet. The video below is a brief introduction to HTTP and how web browsers load websites for you.

Encryption and Public Keys

Cryptography is what keeps our communication secure on the Internet. In this short video, you will learn the basics of cryptography, SSL/TLS, and how they help make the communication on the Internet secure.

Cybersecurity and Crime

Cybersecurity refers to the protective measures against criminal activity accomplished through using a network, technological devices, and the internet.In this video, you will learn about the basics of cybersecurity and common cybercrimes.

And that wraps it up for this article. To learn more about the Internet, Kamran Ahmed has a nice little guide on DNS: How a website is found on the Internet. Also, go through the episodes of howdns.works and read this cartoon intro to DNS over HTTPS.