Internet is a form of wide area networks that covers the globe or the whole world. It involves millions of networks interconnected globally with the help of special technologies such as routers, satellites, fibre optic lines etc.
Internet is defined as a global interconnected system of networks that communicate using protocols.
Protocols are rules that ensure that devices connected in a network are able to communicate or share information. The set of protocols which make it possible for internet connection is called Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
The internet consists of private, public, religious, business, government networks interconnected to allow easy sharing of information and easy communication. It links global communities together as one unit; this makes it possible for easy sharing of information and communication across the globe.
HOW DOES THE INTERNET WORK?
The internet is global network of devices. You can connect your device to the internet through an internet service provider (ISP) like MTN, Vodafone etc. Your device (computer, tablet, and phone) can be connected to the ISP through connection, cables, satellite etc.
Internet Service Providers have special kinds of network devices called routers which help us to connect our devices to the internet. So when we open web browsers to surf the internet, a request is sent from the browser through a networking device in our computer or phone to ISP routers. These ISP routers then connects to other routers from other countries and then to servers. Servers are computers on the internet that stores information. When servers on the internet receives a request from a device, it returns that information requested through the network of routers to the ISP router and then to your local device.. For example, when you open your email, a request is sent from your email application through your device to the ISP router and then to other routers. The request is then sent to the email server. The server returns the information requested through routers and then to your local ISP The local ISP then forwards the information to your local device (computer or phone). You can now view the information on your device.
NOTE
This processes are so fast that you didn’t even realized the email you requested and received went through thousands of devices. The response to your request happened in a blink of an eye. It is so amazing and fast. All the things we browse (music, videos, educational files and so on) go through chains of networks till they get to their destination server and then the response is sent back through chains of networks till it gets to our local computers.
INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS (ISP)
Internet Service Providers are organizations that provide us with internet connection. The local networks in our homes, offices, schools, churches, hospitals are connected to ISP’s. Internets Service Providers then connects to the outside networks of networks.
Some common examples of Internet Service Providers in Ghana are: MTN Ghana, Telecel Ghana, Airtel Tigo Ghana, Surfline Ghana, Busy internet
HOW DEVICES ARE CONNECTED TO THEINTERNET
Devices on the internet are connected using wires, satellites, Wi-Fi, etc.
WIRED INTERNET
This is the most common and fastest form of connection to the internet. It makes use of cables or wires. Examples of cables are telephone cables also known Digital Subscriber lines (DSL). Fibre optic cables. These cables are connected thousands of miles under sea or water, underground or tied to poles along the roads.
SATELLITE INTERNET
Some people connect to the internet through satellite dishes on their roofs via satellite in space. Satellite internet is often used where there are no wired connections especially in rural areas. Bad weather affects the signal of satellite internet connection.
The picture shows internet connection to a computer in a house through satellite.
CELLULAR INTERNET
A Cell phone connect to the internet Cellular Data Network through cell towers, which then connect to physical wires and to the rest of the internet. Cell towers are extremely wide Wireless Access Points (WAP) which provides wireless connection to mobile devices such as phones, tablets, etc. Cell phones may also act as wireless routers using mobile hotspots, in which a laptop or similar device could connect using Wi-Fi to access the internet.
LEARNER ACTIVITY ASSESSMENT.
1. Discuss the various types of computer networks,
2. Draw simple diagram to explain LAN, WAN and PAN.