How Does The Internet Work?

IP Address

In order for a computer to connect to another computer through the Internet, it must have a unique address. An internet address has the form xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx, where xxx must be a number between 0 and 255. This is known as an Internet protocol (IP) address.

Direct and Indirect Connectivity

When you are on a computer at home, you are connected to the internet. But you are not directly connected – you are known as a client. A computer which is directly connected to the internet is known as a server. This can be, for example, google.com or facebook.com. These sites are stored on servers and are connected to the internet so that other servers can access them.

A client is indirectly connected to the internet through an Internet Service Provider (ISP). An ISP is directly connected to the internet and it is used to provide internet usage to the clients.

A client can connect to an ISP using a digital subscriber line (DSL), which is essentially technology used to transmit digital data through telephone lines.

Importance of Routers

Now, if you have an ISP and you are connected to the ISP through DSL, you are able to connect to the internet. However, because sending information can be quite strenuous and it can take quite a while, routers are used to make life a little easier.

A router is a piece of equipment that sends packets of data from one place to another until the initial packet reaches its final destination. For example, when you send an email on your laptop, it will be connected to the router, which will add some information to the packet so that it can travel to the server.

The internet can be a very complicated place which is why at Q2Q, we are able to give you the support you need if you have any issues with regards to the internet. If you would like to know more, then please don’t hesitate to contact us. Give us a call on 01524 581690 and we will be more than happy to help you.