The Internet

The Internet

1. point of presence

   • Abbreviation
     • PoP
   • definition
     • an access point to the internet. Normally, it is a location which contains all of the hardware which allows internet users access to the internet. an internet service provider (ISP) may operate several PoPs in their area to allow good access to the internet,

2. network access point

   • abbreviation
     • NAP
   • an interchange between networks within the internet. it allows ISPs to interconnect with each other.

3. internet protocol

   • abbreviation
     • IP
   • the protocol used to route packets of information across the internet.
   • an individual unit of data which is carried across a network, including the internet. it is made up of a header which identifies the packet and a body which is the actual data message. it is one of the functions of the transmission control protocol (TCP) to organise an internet message into packets.

4. transmission control protocol

   • abbreviation
     • TCP
   • the protocol which takes data from a users application program and passes it to the IP for transfer across the internet. the reverse operation is performed at the destination computer, i.e the TCP reassembles the data (from individual packets) and forwards thyem to the users application program. the close relation with the IP means that the terms are usually used in combination, i.e TCP/IP

5. file transfer protocol

   • abbreviation
     • FTP
   • a standard protocol which allows files to be transferrewd between two computers on a TCP-based network. it is commonly used to download programms to your computer from other servers and to upload web pages that you have created to the server that is hosting them on the internet.

6. internet service provider

   • abbreviation
     • ISP
   • direct connection to the internet would be very costly and so ISPs provide a cost-effective gateway for people and organisations to get onto the internet. in the UK there are many ISPs, with some of the most popular ones being BT (british telecom), virgin media and sky.

7. ISP services

   • in addition to providing a gateway to the internet, ISPs normally provide additional services such as email. many also provide web space for the development of websites, technical support and troubleshooting

8. internet infrastructure

   • server
     • a computer or program which runs purely to serve the needs of other computers. it runs special server software to service the requirements of the users (clients). there are several types of servers, including file servers and printer servers on a local area network (LAN), and web and email servers that manage communication with the internet.
   • client
     • a computer which uses the services provided by the server.
   • router
     • piece of hardware that connects two or more netwroks. in relation to the internet, data from the ISP is sent into the network and the router then directs the data packets to the correct destinations. routers can be described as 'directors of traffic'
   • connecting backbone
     • the main connection data routes between large netwroks on the internet and smaller networks in local regions.
   • Connecting backbone
     • the main connecting data routes between large networks on the internet and smaller networks in local regions.

9. wireless

   • description
     • used by wireless-enabled deices (computers, mobiles, smartphones, etc) to log in to the internet. wireless is exactly what it says; there are no wires to connect.
   • advantages
     • not fixed to a stationary computer
     • can be used wherever there is a wireless hub which is accessible.
   • disadvantages
     • needs to be connected to a wireless hub.
     • can be less secure than wired connections
     • tend to be slower data transmission speeds than wired broadband methods

10. broadband

    • description
      • a wired connection to a broadband supplier. normally the connection is via a network card in the computer. cable users have an ETHERNET connection from their computer to the network
    • advantages
      • brodaband connections can give better reception and are usually faster than dial-up
    • disadvantages
      • requires a base which is wired in, so it is less flexible than wireless

11. dial-up

    • description
      • a wired connection via a conventional telephone line, which needs a modern to convert signals to and from analogue for transmission
    • advantages
      • can use existing telephone circuits, which is useful in some areas.
    • disadvantages
      • older technology gives poor reception at times
      • the conversion from digital to analogue signals can cause errors.
      • tends to be slower than other connection methods