A domain name provides a memorable way for users to access websites by typing a name instead of an IP address. The domain name directs the user to the IP address, which then directs them to the location of website files. Data sent over the internet is broken into smaller data packets that are reassembled at their destination. Routers determine the fastest route to send each data packet through the network and redirect packets if part of the network becomes busy or a server goes down.

2. Domain Names And IP Addresses
A domain name is a unique name that identifies an internet
resource, an example of this is a website. It is an identification string that
allows a user to access and view websites, but without memorising and
typing a series of numbers which is called an IP Address (internet
protocol), or memorising the http address, this provides a much more
memorable alternative, which is just the websites name.
https://www.google.co.uk/?gf
e_rd=cr&ei=83KMVOyzG8
XH8ge2j4GIAQ&gws_rd=ssl
Domain Name
Http Address
IP Address
Their link is that the domain name is the name
people would type into their browser to get the website,
this then directs the user to the IP address which then
directs the user to the location of the files.

3. Data Packets And Package
Switching
A data packet is block of information sent over a digital network,
for example the internet; when data has to be sent it is broken down into
smaller parts and then sent, they are put back together to the original
data chunk once they reach where they are meant to. For example a 4MB
file would be broken up into chunks 500 bytes in size.
This is a diagram
explaining how data
packets work to go to
their location. The data
splits, then goes to the IP
address via routers
across the Digital
Network
The
switching
process
flows this
way
Data File
Data Packet
Data Packet Data Packet
Data Packet
Digital
Networks
Destination
Key
Value 4MB
Value 500 Bytes

4. The Function Of A Router
A router is a machine which works out the fastest connection
through the digital network and sends each data packet on its journey to
the desired locations, sometimes going through hundreds of routers
through many, many countries. If one of these ‘branches’ gets broken in
anyway, getting broken can mean either the ‘branch’ is too busy or the
server is down, and the router redirects the packet down another branch.
User 1 User 2
User 3
User 5
User 4
Key Broken branch Branch Router Data Packet User

5. Sources
Link Between Domain Name And IP Address And Information On Both:
http://www.cyberindian.com/domain-registration/article.php?article_id=72
http://www.nominet.org.uk/uk-domain-names/about-domain-names
http://www.whydomain.org/
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/I/IP_address.html
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/internet/basics/question549.htm
http://getdotted.com/what-is-a-domain-name.php
Information on Data Packets and Package swapping:
http://www.techopedia.com/definition/6751/data-packet
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/question525.htm
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/P/packet_switching.html
http://compnetworking.about.com/od/networkprotocols/f/packet-switch.htm
Information On Routers:
http://www.teach-ict.com/technology_explained/packet_switching/packet_switching.html
http://whatismyipaddress.com/routers
http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/r/router.htm
http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/routers/g/bldef_router.htm