Computer Networks and Internet Basics

Study Notes

File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

A standard protocol that allows files to be transferred over a TCP network
Used to download programs from other servers and upload web pages to a hosting server on the internet

Internet Service Provider (ISP)

A cost-effective gateway for people and organizations to access the internet
Provides additional services such as email, website development, technical support, and troubleshooting
Examples include BT, Virgin Media, and Sky

Internet Infrastructure

A huge client-server system of interconnected computers that uses a wide range of hardware
Servers are powerful computer hardware that connect other computers together, running on special server software to service user requirements
Examples include file servers, printers, web servers, and email servers

Client and Server

A client is a computer that uses the services provided by a server
A server is a powerful computer hardware that connects other computers together, running on special server software

Router

A piece of hardware that connects two or more networks
Directs data packets to the correct destinations and handles data traveling to other directions

Connecting Backbone

The main connecting data routes between large networks on the internet and smaller networks in local regions

Internet Connection Methods

There are three methods: Wireless, Broadband, and Dial-up

Wireless

Used by wireless devices (mobile phones) to log in to the internet
Does not need to be fixed stationary, allowing for flexibility
However, requires a connection, can be less secure than others, and tends to have slower data transmission speeds than wired broadband methods

Broadband

Requires a wired connection to a broadband supplier, normally via a network card in the computer
Allows for faster data transmission speeds than dial-up and wireless methods
Requires a wired base, making it less flexible than wireless methods

Dial-up

A wired connection via a telephone line, requiring a modem to convert signals to and from analogue for transmission
Allows existing telephone circuits to be used, which is useful in some areas
However, tends to have slower data transmission speeds than broadband and wireless methods

The Internet and World Wide Web

The internet is a system of interconnected computers and servers
The World Wide Web is a collection of interconnected webpages that form a website

Network

A network consists of two or more computers that are linked together to share resources, exchange files, or allow electronic communications

ISP Key Terms

Point of Presence (POP)

An access point of the internet, containing all the hardware that allows internet users to access the internet
An ISP may operate several POPs in their area to allow good access to the internet

Network Access Point (NAP)

An interchange between networks within the internet
A group of computers connected together by satellites that send information to computers, allowing ISPs to interconnect with each other

Internet Protocol (IP)

The protocol used to route packets of information across the internet
A packet is an individual unit of data that is carried across a network, including the internet, consisting of a header and a body

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)

A set of standardized rules that allow computers to communicate on a network such as the internet
Takes data from a user application program and passes it to the IP for transfer across the internet

Description

Test your understanding of the basics of computer networks and the internet. Learn about the hardware devices, the world wide web, and the role of ISPs in providing internet access. Discover the key terms and concepts that shape our online experience.

Computer Networks and Internet Basics

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of a File Transfer Protocol (FTP)?

What is the role of an Internet Service Provider (ISP)?

What is the main function of a router?

What is the main difference between wireless and broadband internet connections?

What is the purpose of a modem in a dial-up internet connection?

What is the term for the main connecting data routes between large networks on the internet and smaller networks in local regions?

What is the primary function of a Point of Presence (POP)?

What is the purpose of the Internet Protocol (IP)?

What is the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) responsible for?

What is a network?

What is the World Wide Web?

What is the function of a packet in the context of the internet?