3.2.5 structure of the internet

Internet - An interconnected system of networks that connects computers around the world via IP addresses. It is broken into packets, across many possible paths from computer to computer.

Web - Part of the internet which reffers to the text, graphics and multi media. They are structured using HTML and transporting using HTTP.

Intranet - A local or restricted communications network, esp. a private network created using World Wide Web software.

Extranet - An intranet that can be partially accessed by authorized outside users, enabling businesses to exchange information over the Internet securel.

Packet - A part of a larger peice of information (e.g a web page, a document, an MP3) It contains: A header (where it came from, where its going)
Payload (actual information)
Trailor (info to allow for error checking)

Router - A device that forwards data packets to the appropriate parts of a computer network.

Domain name - The last three letters in a domain name indicate what type of organization owns the address: for instance, .com stands for commercial, .edu for educational, and .org for nonprofit.

IP address - A unique number and every computer has one. It is composed of 4 sets of 3 digit numbers.

Domain Name Server -  These are special computers that translate human-friendly URLs into computer-friendly IP addresses. This process takes place every time a user requests a page from a website.

Internet registries and registrars - Internet registires mangages lots of IP addresses in parts of the world. Internet registrars manage the allocation of domain names.

ISP - An Internet service provider (ISP) is a company that provides access to the Internet. Access ISPs directly connect customers to the Internet using copper wires, wireless or fiber-optic connections.

URI - Unifrom resource identifier - provides a unique identification

URN - Unique name for something

URL - Uniform resource locator - Unique location for something

Client - A computer on a network using resouces provided by another computer

Server - A computer on a network providing resources to lots of other computers.

TCP/IP - The two protocols that work together to move information around the internet