The Internet

The Internet

What is it? What is its purpose?

  • Global network of all interconnected networks
  • Initially a project of the U.S. Defense Department (ARPAnet)
  • Augmented, then overtaken by the National Science Foundation (NSFNET)
  • After NSFNET, an invitation to all educational institutions to participate
  • Now open to all users

    What are its components and protocols?

  • Conduit (dedicated wires, phone lines, microwaves, fiber optic cable, and computer-network connection devices)
  • Protocols (TCP/IP)

    What is Client/Server computing?

  • Primary model of applications design for the Internet
  • Client = User; Server = remote computer
  • Client Software communicates with Server Software to provide services or information.
    • In summary, the Internet serves as infrastructure - the pathway and the rules of the road. Yet, outside of the general protocols for operation, transmission and addressing, it is essentially an open, unmapped environment..

    Using the Internet