What is the Internet?

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Internet and World Wide Web

What is the Internet?

The Internet, sometimes called simply "the Net," is a worldwide system of computer networks - a network of networks in which users at any one computer can get information from any other computer (and sometimes talk directly to users at other computers).

The communication links that interconnect each host computer use a common method of transmission, known as TCP/IP, which stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol which is the suite of communications protocols used to connect hosts on the Internet. Communication protocols determine the format of data that all communications between devices require that the devices agree on. TCP/IP is used because TCP guarantees users that data are transmitted properly and safely without any loss of files to and fro among computers, hosts or servers and clients and IP transmit data across network routes in packets which are just pieces of messages or data. Due to its high security and speed, TCP/IP is commonly used.

Each Internet computer, called a host, is independent. Its operators can choose which Internet services to use and which local services to make available to the global Internet community including files, pictures and audios.

Host is a computer system that is accessed by a user working at a remote location. It is then connected to another computer systems or a TCP/IP network, including the Internet, connected by modems and telephone lines or routers. The system that contains the data is called the host, while the computers at which users sit and retrieve data and information called the terminal. When a host is connected to a TCP/IP network, it has a unique IP address. IP address is an identifier for a computer or device on a TCP/IP network.
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A wide area network can be seen below:

From the diagram, the computers or hosts are connected in a local area network and which are connected to a router. The router then uses header and a forwarding table to determine where packets go, and one use ICMP(Internet Control Message Protocol) to communicate with another and configure the best route between any hosts. The router forwards and directs packets of data from various sources out to the telecommunication links which include satellite dishes and satellite, cables used short distance, undersea cables, microwave and fibre optics. Cables have good ...

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