1.4 The Internet

1.4 The Internet

1. Internet Connections

   • Connections to the internet can be made in different ways. For example, copper-cable is based on the electrical conductivity of copper and is still the most popular form of connectivity due to its low cost.
   • Optical-fibre uses strands of glass or plastic instead of copper and data transferred as pulses of light, rather electrical charges.

2. A network of interconnected networks, spanning the world

   • Networks are made when computers and other devices are connected. Most organisations organise their computers together to form a network and have one point of access from that network to the internet.

3. Characteristics

   • Range is the distance over which a signal can be sent on each type of connection. Satellites are able to send signals from the boundaries of space, while microwave can only send to devices that are in direct line of sight.
   • Data differences: because of the high frequency used, microwaves, for example, can carry a large amount of data
   • The speed of data transfer can differ for different internet connections. Copper cable, for example, has a lower bandwidth than fibre optic and is, therefore, a slower means of connection.