Extended learning homework for Computing - by Erin Bower, 9N

1. Packets,
routers and
IP addresses
The internet is a worldwide network connecting millions of computing devices,
allowing communication softwares and other methods of connection. It consists
of many smaller branches of networks, each branching off into smaller
categories and continuing right down to the basics.
By Erin Bower, 9N

2. What is a domain name?
A domain name is just like a phone number for a website; it gives
the site a memorable name so people can find it easier. It’s
essentially a shortcut made by the provider so you don’t have to
type in a load of code to get to their site – you just access it
through the domain name. The domains have levels of
importance, reading left to right, with the left being the least
important and the right being the most important. An example
would be facebook.com – ‘facebook’ is the mid-level domain,
and ‘com’ is the top level domain. They separate this with a dot
to make it a lot easier to remember and read. A domain is part of
a larger internet address called a URL, which is basically just extra
information to specify the page you want to access.

3. What is an IP address?
An IP address is like a number plate on a car – it is a
special code to make the web address unique to all the
others. Any machine that is connected to the internet
has an IP address, including laptops, phones, tablets,
and xboxes. It shows ownership, and allows other
machines to identify that particular machine. IP version
4 addresses comprise of four parts, like the following:
253.16.44.22. An IP version 6 address is more
complicated, as it comprises of 6 parts, like the
following: 3ffe:1900:4545:3:200:f8ff:fe21:67cf.

4. What is the link between domain
Name and IP address?
The link between the domain name and the IP
address is that the domain name conceals the IP
address, like an alternative name, because the IP
address is still very necessary but too long to
remember for most people. Every website has a
domain name, but the IP address is not available
for people visiting the website since it isn’t
necessary information for them, it is merely just
like bricks that built the site.

5. Data packets: This is a method of transferring
data by cutting it up and putting it into smaller
sections called ‘packets’. This is how most data is
transferred through the internet and phones.
Packet switching: This is the method of
actually cutting up (or splitting/switching) the data
and storing it in much smaller packets so it can be
transferred.
Function of routers: When transferring data,
it travels through the router to get to it’s destination.
Usually, the data goes from one router to another
router, going through various networks and internet
systems on it’s way.

6. References and sources
• http://www.internetsociety.org/internet/what-internet
• http://netforbeginners.about.com/od/d/f/domain_
name.htm
• http://netforbeginners.about.com/od/i/f/ip_addres
s.htm
• http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/P/packet_switch
ing.html