Introduction to the Internet

The Internet is a network of interconnected computers and servers that communicate using standardized
protocols (such as TCP/IP). It allows users to access and share information from anywhere in the world.

Key features of the internet:

 Decentralized structure: No single entity owns or controls the entire Internet. network

 Global reach: It connects billions of devices, including computers, smartphones, and IoT devices.

 Interactivity: The Internet allows for two-way communication, enabling e-commerce, online
banking, social media, and more.

The major classification of the internet

The Intranet and the Extranet

 Intranet: A private network used within an organization to securely share company information
and resources among employees. It is restricted to authorized users within the organization and
is not accessible to the general public.

o Example: A company's internal portal where employees can access HR documents,

 Extranet: An extension of an intranet that allows external users (such as partners, vendors, or
customers) limited access to certain parts of the organization's network. It requires proper
authentication and security controls.

o Example: A supplier having access to a retailer's inventory system to manage stock

How Do We Connect to the Internet?

To connect to the Internet, several methods and devices are used:

1. Internet Service Provider (ISP): An ISP provides the infrastructure for homes and businesses to
connect to the Internet. Examples include AT&T, Comcast, and Safaricom.

2. Wired connections:

o DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) – Uses telephone lines to provide Internet.

o Cable – Uses the same coaxial cable as your TV service.

o Fiber-optic – Provides high-speed internet via light signals through glass cables.

3. Wireless connections:
 o Wi-Fi – Allows multiple devices to connect to the internet without cables, typically used
in homes, businesses, or public places.

o Mobile networks – Use 3G, 4G, or 5G cellular networks to provide Internet to

o Satellite – Provides Internet to remote locations using satellite dishes.

Types of Networks

1. Local Area Network (LAN): A network that connects computers within a small area, such as a
home, office, or school.

o Example: A home Wi-Fi network connecting a laptop, smartphone, and smart TV.

2. Wide Area Network (WAN): A network that spans large geographical areas, connecting multiple
LANs.

o Example: The Internet is a massive WAN connecting billions of devices worldwide.

3. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): A network that covers a city or a large campus.

o Example: A city-wide Wi-Fi network.

4. Personal Area Network (PAN): A small network used for personal devices, like a smartphone
connected to a laptop via Bluetooth.

o Example: A wireless headset connected to a phone.

5. Virtual Private Network (VPN): A secure, encrypted connection over the Internet that allows
users to send and receive data as if their devices were connected to a private network.

o Example: Remote workers using a VPN to securely access company files.

Various Components of a Network

 Nodes: Any device connected to a network, such as computers, printers, or smartphones.

 Cables: Physical media (like Ethernet cables) that carry data between devices.

 Switches: Devices that connect multiple devices in a LAN and forward data to the correct device.

 Routers: Devices that forward data between different networks, such as LANs and WANs.

 Servers: Computers that provide resources or services to other devices on the network, like file
servers or web servers.
 Protocols: Rules and standards used for communication between network devices, such as
TCP/IP, HTTP, and FTP.
Common Network Devices

1. Router: Directs data between networks and manages traffic between different devices
connected to the Internet.

o Example: The device in your home that manages the connection between your Wi-Fi
devices and your ISP.

2. Switch: Connects devices within a LAN and directs traffic to the correct device.

o Example: A switch in an office that connects computers, printers, and servers.

3. Modem: Converts the digital signals from your devices to analog signals that travel over
telephone lines, cable lines, or fiber optics.

o Example: A modem provided by your ISP for your home Internet connection.

4. Access Point (AP): A device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network.

o Example: A Wi-Fi access point in a coffee shop.

5. Firewall: A security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic
based on predetermined security rules.

o Example: Firewalls that protect a corporate network from unauthorized access.

Web Browser

A web browser is software that allows users to access, retrieve, and view information on the World Wide
Web. It interprets and displays HTML code from web pages.

 Common browsers: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge.

 Example of use: You type "www.example.com" into your browser, and it retrieves and displays
the website hosted at that address.

Search Engines

A search engine is an online tool that helps users find specific information on the Internet by entering
keywords or phrases. The search engine returns a list of web pages that match the search terms.

 Popular search engines: Google, Bing, Yahoo.

 Example: Searching for “best programming languages to learn” on Google will return a list of
relevant websites and articles.

Internet Applications

The Internet supports a wide variety of applications that are essential in everyday life:
1. Email: One of the oldest Internet applications, allowing users to send and receive messages over
a network.

o Example: Gmail, Outlook.

2. File sharing: Peer-to-peer sharing of files over the Internet, including documents, videos, and
software.

o Example: Dropbox, Google Drive.

3. Social media: Platforms where users create and share content and communicate with others.

o Example: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

4. E-commerce: Buying and selling goods or services over the Internet.

o Example: Amazon, eBay.

5. Video conferencing: Allows users to communicate face-to-face remotely via video and audio.

o Example: Zoom, Google Meet.

6. Online banking: Managing bank accounts and conducting financial transactions online.

o Example: Accessing your bank account via an app to transfer money or pay bills.