Ch4-Connecting-to-the-Internet.pdf

Chapter 4: Connecting to the Internet The internet has become an essential part of modern life, connecting us to information, entertainment, and communication. But how does this vast network actually reach our devices? This guide explores the various methods of connecting to the internet, from trad...

Chapter 4: Connecting to the Internet The internet has become an essential part of modern life, connecting us to information, entertainment, and communication. But how does this vast network actually reach our devices? This guide explores the various methods of connecting to the internet, from traditional wired connections to cutting- edge wireless technologies, providing a comprehensive understanding of the technology behind our digital world. by Ibtisam Ibnuramlee The Internet The Internet is a worldwide collection of networks that connects millions of businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals. It enables global communication and information sharing on an unprecedented scale. The Internet The Internet originated as ARPANET in September 1969 and had two main goals: Allow scientists at different physical Function even if part of the network were locations to share information and work disabled or destroyed by a disaster together Internet 1969 ARPANET becomes functional 1 2 1984 ARPANET has more than 1,000 individual computers linked as hosts Today Millions of hosts connect to the 3 Internet Methods of Connecting to the Internet Wired Connections Wireless Connections Ethernet Cables Wi-Fi Fiber Optic Connections Mobile Data (3G, 4G, 5G) Satellite Internet Wired Connections Ethernet Cables Fiber Optic Connections Setting Up Wired Connections Ethernet cables are the most Fiber optic cables use thin common type of wired strands of glass to transmit data Setting up a wired connection is connection, using twisted pairs of as pulses of light. This method simple. Plug an Ethernet cable wires to transmit data at high allows for incredibly high speeds, from your modem to your router speeds. Common types include significantly lower latency, and (if using), then connect another CAT5, CAT6, and CAT7, each greater stability over long Ethernet cable from your router to offering increasing speeds and distances. Fiber optic your device. Most devices bandwidth. Ethernet cables are connections are becoming automatically configure network reliable and offer low latency, increasingly popular for both settings, making the process making them ideal for demanding home and business users, seamless. tasks like online gaming or offering a future-proof solution streaming. for internet access. Wireless Connections Wi-Fi Mobile Data (3G, 4G, 5G) Satellite Internet Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, uses radio Mobile data connects devices to the Satellite internet uses a network of waves to connect devices to the internet using cellular networks. 3G satellites orbiting the Earth to internet. It's become the most offers basic speeds, suitable for provide internet access, especially common way to connect devices in browsing and emails. 4G provides useful in remote or rural areas. homes and offices. Different Wi-Fi higher speeds, supporting streaming However, satellite internet typically standards (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax) and gaming. 5G, the latest has higher latency than other offer increasing speeds and range, generation, offers incredibly high options due to the long distances with the latest standards offering speeds and low latency, opening up signals must travel. impressive speeds for demanding possibilities for advanced applications. applications. Essential Hardware Modems Routers Network Interface Cards (NICs) A modem acts as the bridge A router creates a local network between your ISP and your home within your home, allowing NICs are essential for connecting network. It receives the internet multiple devices to share the your devices to the network. Most signal from your ISP and converts internet connection. It manages modern devices have built-in NICs it into a form that your devices can traffic between devices and the for both wired and wireless understand. Modems are usually internet, ensuring smooth and connections. External NICs, such provided by your ISP and secure communication. Routers as USB adapters, can be used to connected directly to the internet also allow you to configure add network connectivity to older line. network settings and provide devices or provide a wired security features. connection for laptops. Software & Configuration 1 Operating Systems & Drivers Your operating system (OS) manages all network connections on your device, ensuring smooth communication with the internet. Network drivers are essential software that allows your device's hardware to interact with the network correctly. Regularly updating your OS and drivers is crucial for security and optimal performance. 2 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) ISPs are the companies that provide internet access to homes and businesses. They offer various types of internet connections, including DSL, cable, fiber, and satellite. Choosing an ISP involves considering factors like speed, reliability, customer service, and cost. Bandwidth represents the amount of data that travels over a network Megabyte (MB) Gigabyte (GB) 3 Setting Up a Connection Setting up an internet connection involves connecting your modem to your router (if using), configuring network settings on your router, and connecting your devices to the network. The process is usually straightforward, but you may need to consult your ISP or router documentation for specific instructions. Software & Configuration (con) 1 Setting Up a Connection Setting up an internet connection involves connecting your modem to your router (if using), configuring network settings on your router, and connecting your devices to the network. The process is usually straightforward, but you may need to consult your ISP or router documentation for specific instructions. Setting Up a Wired Internet Connection 1 Connect the Ethernet Cable Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the modem's Ethernet port labeled "Internet" or "WAN." Connect the other end to the Ethernet port on your computer or network device. 2 Configure Network Settings On your computer or device, open the network settings and select the wired connection. Usually, the operating system will automatically detect and configure the connection, but you may need to manually set the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway if your network is not automatically configured. 3 Verify Connection Open a web browser and try to access a website. If the website loads successfully, your wired connection is established. Setting Up a Wireless Internet Connection 1 Find the Wi-Fi Network On your computer or device, open the Wi-Fi settings and scan for available networks. Look for the SSID (network name) of your Wi-Fi network. 2 Enter the Wi-Fi Password When prompted, enter the Wi-Fi password for your network. The password is usually set during the router configuration process. 3 Connect to the Network Once you enter the correct password, your device will connect to the Wi-Fi network. You should see a connection icon in your device's status bar indicating a successful connection. Connecting the Internet An IP address is a sequence of numbers that uniquely identifies each computer or device connected to the Internet A domain name is a text-based name that corresponds to the IP address A DNS server translates the domain name into its associated IP address Connecting the internet TLds Connecting the internet The World Wide Web The World Wide Web The World Wide Web A website is a collection of A web server is a computer (WWW), or web, consists of a related webpages and that delivers requested worldwide collection of associated items webpages to your computer electronic documents (webpages) The World Wide Web Web 2.0 refers to websites that Web 3.0 or semantic web desires to Web 4.0 is also known as symbiotic provide a means for users to share decrease human’s tasks and web in which human mind and personal information, allow users to decisions and leave them to machines can interact in modify website content, and provide machines by providing machine- symbiosis.This technology is all applications through a browser readable contents on the web, users about mobility and the voice are able to analyze, retrieve and interaction between user and share information through machine. Before, the user had to be personalized searches. Results are at a desk in front of a computer to provided based on user behaviors interact with the Internet, but mobile learned by your browser. devices allow the user the continous addition, sharing and distribution of information to the cyberspace. The World Wide Web A browser is an application that enables users with an Internet connection to access and view webpages on a computer or mobile device A home page is the first page that a website displays Current browsers typically support tabbed browsing 20  THE WORLD WIDE WEB A webpage has a unique address, called a web address or URL 21  A web app is an application stored on a web server that you access through a browser – Web app hosts usually provide storage for users’ data and information on their servers, known as cloud storage 22