3.3.4

The Internet

Test yourself

What is the Internet?

The Internet is a worldwide collection of computer networks (a network of networks).

Illustrative background for Internet Protocol (IP)Illustrative background for Internet Protocol (IP) ?? "content

Internet Protocol (IP)

  • The Internet Protocol (IP) is a set of rules that make sure that devices can work together on the Internet.
  • Every computer is assigned an IP address that is used to send and receive data from other devices.
Illustrative background for Packet switchingIllustrative background for Packet switching ?? "content

Packet switching

  • Packet switching is the process by which data is transmitted on the Internet.
  • Data is split into small 'packets' which are then sent out across the network.
  • Routers are essential to the internet because they pass the data packets between the interconnected networks.
Illustrative background for Internet trafficIllustrative background for Internet traffic ?? "content

Internet traffic

  • There are a lot of different types of traffic on the Internet.
  • Each type of traffic corresponds to a different type of application. For example:
    • World Wide Web (WWW) traffic.
    • Email traffic.
    • Multiplayer game traffic.
    • Video streaming traffic.

Uniform Resource Locators (URLs)

A URL is a unique identifier for a resource on the Internet. It always follows a specific format.

Illustrative background for ProtocolIllustrative background for Protocol ?? "content

Protocol

  • The first section is the protocol.
  • The protocol is the set of rules that the browser should use to get the resource from the server.
  • Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is a common protocol which is used for sending websites.
  • Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) is another common protocol:
    • HTTPS is also used to send websites.
    • HTTPS sends the data using an encrypted connection.
Illustrative background for DomainIllustrative background for Domain ?? "content

Domain

  • The next section is the domain.
  • The domain is the name of the server which is hosting the website.
Illustrative background for PathIllustrative background for Path ?? "content

Path

  • The path follows the domain.
  • The path is the name of the requested file on the server and specifies where it should be located on the server.

Jump to other topics

1Components of a Computer

2Software & Software Development

3Exchanging Data

4Data Types, Data Structures & Algorithms

5Legal, Moral, Cultural & Ethical Issues

6Elements of Computational Thinking

6.1Thinking Abstractly

6.2Thinking Procedurally

6.3Thinking Logically

7Problem Solving & Programming

8Algorithms

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson