The document discusses the basics of how the internet works. It explains that the internet is a global network of interconnected networks that uses standardized communication protocols. It describes how domain names identify websites and are translated to IP addresses, which are numeric identifiers for devices on a network. The document also outlines how data is broken down and sent as packets via packet switching networks, and how routers communicate between networks to direct packet traffic.

1. The Internet
What is the
Internet?
Domain
Names
IP
Addresses
Relationship
between domain
names and IP
addresses
Data
Packets
Packet
Switching
Function
of routers
My Information
Sources

2. What Is the Internet?
The Internet is a global network that offers
a lot of information. According to Internet
World Stats from December 31, 2011 there was
an estimated 2,267,233,742 Internet users
worldwide. The Internet includes commercial,
educational and governmental
information. It consists of interconnected
networks that use standardized communication
protocols.

3. Domain Names
A domain name is a unique
name that identifies the
certain domain it belongs
to, i.e. a website. They
are used in URL’s to
identify specific webpages.

4. IP Addresses
IP stands for Internet Protocol. An IP
address has been designed to allow one
computer (or other digital device) to
communicate with another via the
Internet. It contains four numbers that
have one to three digits and a single
dot separating each number or set of
digits. Each of the four numbers can
range from 0 to 255.

5. What is the relationship
between the two?
Your domain name points to your IP
address. The domain name directs you to
the address that contains your web
site. This address is called the IP
address and is a series of numbers,
such as 234.24.234.12. This IP address
then leads you to the location on the
server that has your web site files.

6. Data Packets
‘Packets’ are pieces of data that
have been broken down into small bits
when the information has been sent from
one computer to another. Everything you
do on the internet involves packets!
(Every e-mail you send leaves as a
series of packets and web pages that
you receive come as a series of
packets.

7. Packet Switching
Packet-switched is the type of
network where small units of
data called packets are routed
through a network based on the
destination address contained
in each packet. Most movement
over the Internet uses packet
switching.

8. Function of routers
Routers usually have three main functions:
• Packet Forwarding
• Packet switching
• Packet filtering
Routers communicate with each other to
share information about accessible paths
and directly connected routes. The two
main types of routers are static and
dynamic.

9. My Information Sources
• http://www.teach-ict.
com/gcse_new/internet/internet_www/miniweb/
index.htm
• http://www.teach-ict.
com/technology_explained/packet_switching/pac
ket_switching.html
• http://www.webopedia.com/
• http://computer.howstuffworks.com/
• http://www.techopedia.com/definition/6751/data-packet