Understanding the Internet: A Beginner's Perspective on Connectivity
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Chapter 1: My Journey into Tech
Having recently transitioned into the tech industry without a prior background, I've encountered numerous enlightening moments that often seem obvious to seasoned professionals.
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Section 1.1: Discovering Full Stack Development
Over the past few months, I have been enrolled in a Full Stack Web Developer course offered by Zero to Mastery (ZTM). What I appreciate most about their teaching approach is how they cater to those who start from scratch. Their method resembles the well-known Michael Scott style.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Internet Unveiled
One of the most significant revelations I've experienced during my web development training is understanding the mechanics of the internet. If you're pressed for time, here's the quick takeaway: Despite the convenience of Wi-Fi in our homes, schools, and workplaces, the entire internet operates through physical cables!
For those who can spare a moment, let’s delve deeper into how the internet functions, summarized in three key images.
Section 1.2: The Role of Local Area Networks
Wherever you access the internet—be it a coffee shop, home office, school, or library—if you're connected via Wi-Fi, you are engaging with a Local Area Network (LAN).
LAN Components:
- Computer
- Router
- Modem
Most people's understanding of the internet typically revolves around LANs. However, the truly fascinating elements of internet connectivity occur beyond our modems and into the realm of Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
Chapter 2: The Connection Beyond
To grasp how the internet works, we must look beyond the LAN to what occurs between the modem and the ISP. The modem acts as a gateway, linking various devices like phones, tablets, smart TVs, and computers to the broader internet.
The first video explains the intricacies of how the internet operates using visuals to clarify complex concepts.
The term ISP stands for Internet Service Provider. In the United States, some of the most common ISPs include:
- AT&T
- Verizon
- Xfinity
- Cox
- Spectrum
The modem authorizes your ISP to communicate with your Wi-Fi network while also relaying your internet requests back to the ISP, enabling them to connect with necessary servers. ISPs utilize networks of towers that communicate with each other.
The strength of a Wi-Fi connection largely hinges on the proximity of your LAN to your ISP's towers. The distance between these two points is a crucial factor in determining internet speed, which explains why rural areas often experience slower internet compared to urban settings.
Finally, your ISP is linked to the internet through a series of underground cables. Remarkably, these ISPs connect globally via extensive networks of cables that stretch for miles.
The second video succinctly summarizes how the internet operates in just five minutes, perfect for those who want a quick overview.
To gain further insight into the fascinating structure of the internet, consider reading this informative article from Daily Mail, which illustrates the physical reality of what the internet looks like.
In essence, the internet is a remarkable technology, with information swirling through the air of our Wi-Fi networks. Yet, behind the scenes, countless miles of cables lie buried underground, traversing countries and the ocean floor, weaving together the global network we rely on every day.