How does the Internet work?

The world is connected like never before because of the internet, a massive network of systems and technologies. This network links billions of devices globally, allowing us to communicate, shop, learn, and have fun. At its core, the Internet is a bunch of networks working together using hardware, software, and protocols to send and receive data smoothly.

How the Internet Works

The internet works by breaking data into small packets that travel across networks to reach their destination, like text, video, or email. These packets find their way using IP (Internet Protocol) addresses, which are unique to every device online.

The TCP/IP model explains how data moves through the internet in four layers:

1. Application Layer: Handles user-facing services like HTTP, FTP, or email.
2. Transport Layer: Manages reliable communication between devices (e.g., TCP, UDP).
3. Internet Layer: Handles routing of data packets across networks (e.g., IP).
4. Network Access Layer: Manages physical connections and data transmission.

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Important devices like routers, switches, and servers make this all work. Routers send packets between networks, switches manage traffic within a network, and servers store and provide data when needed.

Fiber Optic Technology

Fiber optic cables are the backbone of the internet. They use light pulses to send data super fast over long distances. These cables are better than traditional wires because they can handle massive amounts of data with little to no interference. Except, it has very high maintenance.

Fiber optic cables have three main parts:

• Core: The center where light signals travel.

• Cladding: Surrounds the core and keeps the light from escaping.

• Coating: Protects the cable from damage.

With speeds that reach gigabits per second, fiber optics are key for streaming, gaming, and cloud services.

A video explaining How Fiber Obtics:

How Fiber Optics Are Laid

Installing fiber optic cables happens both underwater and on land. Submarine cables connect continents by crossing oceans. Specialized ships lay these cables, burying them in the seabed for protection.

On land, cables are installed along roads or railways or buried underground. This involves digging trenches or using advanced methods like micro-trenching to avoid disruptions. In cities, existing utility ducts are often used.

Challenges and Maintenance

Setting up fiber optics isn’t easy. It’s expensive, and there are obstacles like rough terrains and the need for global cooperation for underwater cables. Maintenance is also critical since cables can get damaged by earthquakes or human activities like fishing. Repair teams and special ships fix these problems to keep the internet running.

Real World Example

Imagine sending a message to a friend in Asia or America. If you’re far away, your message would travel underwater to reach them—mind-blowing, right? That message made up of zeros and ones, gets routed through 1-20 different servers until it reaches the server closest to your friend. Using their router’s IP and device IP, the message is delivered, and they can respond. All of this happens in just milliseconds!

To calculate the minimum time your message needs to arrive to them, you have to calculate the distance divided by the speed of light, so if they're 2000 km, or 1242 miles away, then that's around 0.0066 seconds, which is 66ms. 

Conclusion

The internet connects the world, and it’s all possible because of clever engineering and teamwork. From data packets to fiber optics, everything works together to make sure we stay connected. As technology improves, the internet will continue growing, bringing us closer and making life easier.