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1.1 | |
Connecting to the Internet | |
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Requirements for Internet connection |
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The Internet is the largest data network
on earth. The Internet consists of a multitude of interconnected
networks both large and small. At the edge of this giant network is
the individual consumer computer. Connection to the Internet can be
broken down into the physical connection, the logical connection, and
the application.
A physical connection is made by connecting a specialized expansion card such as a modem or a network interface card (NIC) from a computer (PC) to a network. The physical connection is used to transfer signals between PCs within the local network and to remote devices on the Internet. The logical connection uses standards called protocols. A protocol is a formal description of a set of rules and conventions that govern how devices on a network communicate. Connections to the Internet may use multiple protocols. The Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite is the primary protocol used on the Internet. TCP/IP is a suite of protocols that work together to transmit data. The application that interprets the data and displays the information in an understandable form is the last part of the connection. Applications work with protocols to send and receive data across the Internet. A web browser displays Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) as a web page. File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is used to download files and programs from the Internet. Web browsers also use proprietary plug-in applications to display special data types such as movies or flash animations. This is an introductory view of the Internet, and it may seem an overly simple process. As the topic is explored in greater depth, it will become apparent that sending data across the Internet is a complicated task.
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