Whether it’s streaming your favorite show, sharing moments with family and friends over video calls, or scrolling through social media, the internet offers a plethora of options to choose from. Ever asked yourself about the working of the internet? Instead of magic, it might as well be, given the way it connects multiple people across the globe.
In this article, I will attempt to cover the “how and the what” of the internet without the jargon that we commonly associate with technology.
Table of Contents
What Is the Internet, Really?
To simplify the explanation, I will use the example of a postal system. The internet is the most complex system of postal delivery in the entire world, as it uses the data to transport multiple packets in the fastest way possible. The internet is a “network” of multiple networks working in collaboration. Every home’s WiFi connects to the internet through a provider, this provider connects to multiple other providers, and these providers connect to… everybody.
This system is quite simple and offers the use of decentralized networks that do not have a singular point of failure. Different routes can be taken if one path goes down, as internet data can use multiple routes to access networks similar to the way people would use side roads to avoid rush hour traffic.
The Enchantment In Each Click
As the address of a website is entered and the “enter” key is pressed, a series of complex operations ensues and is executed in mere milliseconds.
Step 1: Translation Time Every website address is a domain, but in order for a computer to use it, is needs to be in numerical form. Domain Name System is the internet’s phone book and it translates domain names to IP addresses which computers use and understand. Translation for “google.com” is provided through a computer’s google.com domain.
Step 2: The Journey Begins A request is broken into tiny packets and each tiny bit of data gets sliced further into packets. Each packet is a tiny message. Every packet is on a journey through various routes and some packets take different servers. Therefore, each packet does not use the same route.
Step 3: Reassembly A destination is reached when the jigsaw puzzle stored is on a server and requires putting together parts and all packets need to be available. At that to looking through different pieces of a certain puzzle is different parts that need to be solved or put together, various pages need to be put together to form a web page.
The Four-Layer System That Rules Everything
The internet operates using the TCP/IP model, which organizes data into four layers:
| Layer | What It Does | Real-World Example |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Handles what you see (websites, emails) | Your browser showing this article |
| Transport | Makes sure data arrives intact | Checking all puzzle pieces are there |
| Internet | Routes data across networks | GPS finding the best route |
| Network Access | Physical connections | The actual cables and WiFi signals |
The Physical Backbone You Never See
Browsing wirelessly? The Internet operates through some insane systems. For instance, the networks of fiber optic cables can transmit data at the speed of light. Or data centers, which are always active, and undersea cables connecting continents.
Those undersea cables are particularly wild. They are literally carrying your international video calls along the ocean floor. So next time you are overseas video calling your friends or family, remember the undersea cables are making it possible.
From Dial-Up Days to 5G Speed
In 1969 connecting four computer systems together laid the groundwork for ARPANET. The internet has developed dramatically over the years. Here’s a brief summary of the most important milestones:
- 1983: The establishment of a standard (TCP/IP)
- 1991: The launch of the World Wide Web
- Broadband: 2000
- Mobile internet: 2010
- 5G: Now
Predictions for the Future
Web 3.0 accounts for the decentralization of the internet meaning users will have better control over their digital secrets. The construction of 5G networks has magical workflows. Data computation has endless possibilities.
Obstructed or poor routing makes the internet experience aggravating. AI is the reflex system for the internet to a device wishing to be populated.
You’re racing glance prediction makes a one of a kind browsing experience.
Why This is Relevant
The emerging the_privacy_manifesto_ report shows attentively controlling and managing your digital identity and footprint is crucial. You can better protect your digital secrets with this knowledge. Privacy is meaningless without an absence of affordable and user friendly web infrastructure.
Furthermore, if you are interested in tech jobs, understanding these basics gives you access to fields like network engineering and cybersecurity.
The Bottom Line
The internet is, in many ways, the crowning achievement of human collaboration. Alongside millions of networks and billions of devices, numerous protocols work in unison to deliver your favorite shows or memes in seconds.
the next time your internet is slow, you can rest assured that the reason is not personal. Your data is simply taking the world’s most complex delivery system.
Would you like to learn more about the basics of the internet? Feel free to explore these free courses on networking to further your knowledge.
I’m a technology writer with a passion for AI and digital marketing. I create engaging and useful content that bridges the gap between complex technology concepts and digital technologies. My writing makes the process easy and curious. and encourage participation I continue to research innovation and technology. Let’s connect and talk technology! LinkedIn for more insights and collaboration opportunities: