How the Internet Works: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

how the internet works

What Happens When You Surf the Internet

Have you ever thought about what happens each time you perform a search on Google or visit a website? The Internet functions as a global network that links all the computers and servers across the globe.

This tutorial will guide you on how the Internet operates, explaining it in an easy to understand manner that everyone can grasp.

What Is the Internet?

The Internet consists of many interconnected computers that communicate with each other so they can share information 

With the Internet, you can:
  • Look for Sites
  • Send Email
  • Watch Video
  • Share Ideas on Social Media
  • Use Services Provided On-Line

Step 1: Making Your Device Connect To The Internet

In order to make your device (mobile phone, laptop or desktop) connect with the Internet, you need to connect with: 
  • A Wireless (Wi-Fi) Network
  • A Mobile (3G, 4G, LTE) Network
  • A Wired (Ethernet) Network
An Internet Service Provider (ISP), such as Jio, Airtel, BSNL, or others, provides the means for you to connect to a network.

Step 2: An IP Address Is Created For You

Once a device connects to the Internet an IP address is created for it.
An IP address serves two major functions:
  • It establishes which device belongs to whom within the Internet.
  • It is like a residential mailing address where information is sent.
Here is an example of an IP address: 

192.168.1.1.

Step 3: DNS – The Phonebook of the Internet

To communicate with websites, computers use their IP addresses and not their names, and DNS, or the Domain Name System, translates between the two.

Example: When you enter a website address, or URL, into your web browser (e.g. www.google.com), the DNS translates that URL into the website's corresponding IP address (e.g. 74.125.235.48), which enables your device to locate and connect to the correct server.

Step 4: The Internet is Like a Series of Envelopes

Due to the size of files transmitted over the Internet, the information is divided into smaller, manageable pieces called data packets, which are then transmitted over the Internet. 

Each data packet can:
  • Be sent over a variety of routes
  • Be received at the destination
  • Be reassembled to create the final content
This enables internet communication to be fast and efficient.

Step 5: Servers and How They Store Data

A server is a powerful computer that contains all the websites, images, video files, and associated data that you access when you visit a site.

When you visit a website:
1. Your web browser sends a request for the web page.
2. The server receives your request and retrieves the requested information.
3. The server sends the information back to your web browser.
4. Your web browser displays the requested web page.

Step 6: HTTP and HTTPS are how the Internet communicates

The communication rules of the Internet are governed by protocols.
  • HTTP – Communication as it exists on the Internet; standard (not secure)
  • HTTPS – The encrypted communication of secure web pages (protected sources)
If the website you are visiting shows a locked icon (or is represented by HTTPS), it is a secure web page and thus safe to use.

Part 7: How does a website load? Here's the entire flow starts once again:

You access any specific web address,
The Domain Name System (DNS) looks up what that address "equates to" as an Internet Protocol (IP) address.
The web browser sends a request to the server where that website sits
The server sends all the web pages' files (which are all stored in separate folders).
Your web browser processes this information and displays it as a web page or web pages in a matter of seconds.

Part 8: Internet Security

It is crucial for internet users to have secure online experiences.

Internet Security Features 
Some of the common IgFeatures -
  • HTTPS (SSL) encryption
  • Firewalls
  • User Names and Passwords
  • Two-Factor Authentication
These will help prevent hackers from stealing your information and making it available for them to carry out illegal activities.

Why it is Important to Know about the Internet

By knowing how the internet works, you will be able to:
  • Safely surf the internet
  • Learn Web Development
  • Understand online services
  • Develop Technical Confidence  
This knowledge will serve as a solid foundation for anyone beginning the journey to becoming a Web Developer, or for those who may already have knowledge and experience developing for the web.

Conclusion

Although the internet can seem complex, it is based on a simple idea: Devices communicate with each other through a set of rules, IP Addresses (Addresses), and Servers. 
As soon as you have an understanding of this process, learning and using technology will be more accessible to you. As you begin your journey into the world of technology, knowing how the Internet functions is one the most important steps.

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