Internet Structures

Internet Structures

1. The Internet

   • A network of networks, connected through a series of ports, routers and access points that allow systems to communicate with one another.
   • Connecting to the Internet
     • A device or Local Access Network transmits data packets to the nearest Point of Presence, a collection of routers held by its ISP.
     • To connect to other networks, the data packets are routed to a Network Access Point, an independently owned collection of routers.
     • Data is then sent to the target device or network or sent to another NAP via a fibre-optic cable bundle called a backbone.
   • Communication is regulated by the IP/TCP suite of protocols, which determines the machine to which data is to be sent and the methods of sending and reassembling data packets.

2. World Wide Web

   • The collection of hypertext documents that can be accessed through the medium of the Internet.
   • The manner in which these documents are displayed is regulated by HyperText Transfer Protocol.

3. Intranet

   • A network of networks owned by a specific organisation that uses the IP/TCP suite to share information within the organisation