How Does the Internet Work?
February 22nd, 2023
Last Updated on February 22nd, 2023
This text was fully written by humans.
SUMMARY / KEY TAKEAWAYS
In this article, we dive into the inner workings of the Internet and explore the various components that make it function.
First, we introduce the origin story behind the Internet. How did it all start?
Then, we cover all the key concepts you need to understand in order to grasp how does Internet work — all from the physical infrastructure that connects physical devices to the Internet, to the protocols that enable communication and the servers that store and transmit information.
We also mention ICANN: the non-profit organization that guards the Internet.
Lastly, we discuss the current stage of development of the Internet and possible future directions for the development of the world wide web.
Table of Contents
- How Does the Internet Work? On The Origin of the Internet
- How the Internet Connects Devices
- The Role of Protocols In The Mechanics of the Internet
- How Is Information Transmitted And Received On The Internet?
- The Role of ICANN In The Internet
- What Is Dark Web?
- Conclusions: Where Are We In The Evolution of the Internet and What Is The Future?
How Does the Internet Work? On The Origin of the Internet.
If you are reading this text, you likely spend a large part of your day online. For instance, you might be working, studying, catching up with the news, or simply exploring the world.
But have you ever wondered how the Internet actually works? What is the fabric of this complex network that has revolutionized the way we communicate and access information? Understanding these fundamentals is often a great starting point for anyone wondering how to break into the tech industry.
How is it possible to connect to a server on the other side of the world in just a few seconds? In this article, we dive into the inner workings of the Internet and explore the components that make it all possible.
We cover the key concepts you need in order to understand how the Internet works. Specifically, this includes the physical infrastructure that connects devices, the protocols that enable communication, and the servers that store and transmit information. So, get ready to learn about the technology that transformed our world.
A Brief History: From ARPANET to Today’s Internet
Indeed, the Internet has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1969. The US Department of Defense funded the original project. Its goal was to build a network of computers that could communicate and share resources, so that military communications would continue even during a nuclear attack.
The ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network) was the Internet’s first iteration. It connected four United States universities: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Stanford Research Institute (SRI), the University of California-Santa Barbara (UCSB) and the University of Utah.
Over the next several decades, the Internet continued to evolve and expand. New technologies emerged, including commercial ISPs (or, Internet Service Providers).
Today, the Internet is a global network that connects billions of devices around the world. As a result, it enables communication and the exchange of information on an unprecedented scale.
How the Internet Connects Devices.
1. Physical Infrastructure.
The physical infrastructure of the Internet refers to the hardware that enables devices to connect to and access the Internet. This includes a variety of components, such as:
Cables:
Specifically, the Internet relies on a complex network of physical cables to transmit data from one place to another. These cables can be made of copper wire, fiber optic strands, or a combination of both.
Routers:
Routers direct traffic on the Internet and help ensure that data reaches the correct destination. In turn, they connect to the Internet via cables and use IP addresses to identify the devices they communicate with.
Servers:
Servers are powerful computers that store and transmit information on the Internet. They can sit in data centers or other locations, connected to the Internet via cables and routers.
Modems:
A modem is a device that lets your device connect to the Internet via a phone line or cable connection.
WiFi:
Likewise, WiFi technology allows devices to connect to the Internet wirelessly, using radio frequencies to transmit and receive data.
Together, all of these components form the physical infrastructure of the Internet. As a result, devices can connect and communicate with each other.
2. Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
An Internet Service Provider (ISP) is a company that provides access to the Internet. Whenever you want to connect, you need to sign up for an Internet service plan with an ISP. For example, there are several types of plans available, including broadband, DSL, and dial-up.
Once you sign up for a plan, your ISP will send you a router. To access the Internet, you then connect your device to the router using an ethernet cable or WiFi.
After that, you can access the Internet by opening a web browser and typing in a URL. Your browser sends the request for information to a server over the Internet. In turn, the server sends the information back to your device. As a result, you can access the website or online content you wanted. Grasping this kind of infrastructure knowledge is a valuable part of career development for tech professionals at any level.
The Role of Protocols In The Mechanics of the Internet.
1. What Is a Protocol?
Protocols are an essential component of the Internet. They serve as the rules and standards that govern communication between devices on a network. Specifically, they define how devices should connect, transmit and receive data, and handle errors.
Without protocols, the Internet could not function as a cohesive network. Not knowing these basics is exactly the kind of tech industry skills gap explained by hiring managers when candidates struggle with fundamentals. This is because devices would be unable to communicate with each other in a meaningful way.
Consequently, many different protocols exist on the Internet. Each one serves a specific purpose and enables various types of communication and data transfer.
2. Common Protocols.
Many different protocols run on the Internet, each serving a specific purpose. Here are 4 examples of common protocols:
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol).
TCP or IP is the primary protocol used on the Internet, and it handles the transmission of data between devices. Specifically, it consists of a set of rules. These define how data should be transmitted and received, as well as how to handle errors.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).
HTTP is a protocol used for transmitting data on the World Wide Web. It forms the foundation of the Internet, since it enables communication between web browsers and web servers. In addition, it allows users to access websites and other online content.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol).
FTP is a protocol used for transferring files between computers on the Internet. For instance, it lets users upload and download files from a server. It is also commonly used for transferring large files between servers.
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol).
SMTP is a protocol used for transmitting email messages between servers. Similarly, it lets users send and receive email, and email clients such as Outlook and Gmail rely on it.
These are just a few popular examples among the many protocols currently used on the Internet.
How Is Information Transmitted And Received On The Internet?
Transmitting Information Online.
The process of sending and receiving information on the Internet is fairly straightforward. Whenever you want to access information, you use a device such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet. This device sends a request for the information to a server.
In turn, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) sends this request over a network of lines and cables to the server. In turn, the server, a powerful computer that stores websites and other information, receives the request.
Once the server receives the request, it retrieves the requested information. Then, it sends the information back to your device over the same network of lines and cables. Your device then receives the information and displays it on the screen for you to view.
This process happens in the blink of an eye. As a result, you can access information and communicate with others around the world in real time. Staying current on how this all works is genuinely part of how to future-proof a tech career as the underlying systems keep evolving.
Naturally, the speed of the process depends on a few factors. These include the speed of your Internet connection, the distance between your device and the server, and the amount of traffic on the network.
The Role of Servers In The Internet.
A server is a powerful computer that stores and transmits information on the Internet. Servers connect to the Internet via cables and routers and can communicate with other devices on the network.
There are many different types of servers, including web servers, application servers, and file servers, each serving a specific purpose. Web servers store and transmit websites and other online content, while application servers run applications and provide services to users.
File servers store and transmit files, and email servers transmit and receive email messages.
Servers typically sit in data centers or other secure locations. They are designed to handle large amounts of traffic and data.
In addition, they store and transmit information using protocols such as HTTP and FTP. These protocols enable communication between servers and other devices on the Internet.
Overall, servers play a crucial role in the functioning of the Internet. After all, they store and transmit the vast amounts of information that users around the world access. Here are 5 main types of servers:
Web Servers.
Specifically, web servers store and transmit websites and other online content. Specifically, they receive requests for webpages from users and send the requested webpages back to the user’s device.
Application Servers.
Application servers run applications and provide services to users. Enterprise environments often rely on them to provide access to business-critical applications and data.
File Servers.
Likewise, file servers store and transmit files. Organizations commonly use them to store and share files internally or between users.
Email Servers.
These servers transmit and receive email messages. Email clients such as Outlook and Gmail rely on them to send and receive messages.
Database Servers.
Similarly, database servers store and manage large amounts of data. Applications are often paired with database servers to access data.
How Are Websites Hosted?
Websites live on servers, which are powerful computers that store and transmit websites and other information on the Internet.
When you want to access a website, you use a device such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet to send a request to the server that hosts the website. The server then retrieves the website and sends it back to your device, where your web browser displays it.
To host a website, a company or individual must rent space on a server from a hosting provider. Typically, the hosting provider supplies the server and the necessary infrastructure to store and transmit the website, along with an IP address that identifies the website. Meanwhile, the website owner handles uploading the website’s content and maintaining the website on the server.
There are many different types of hosting options available, including shared hosting, dedicated hosting, and cloud hosting. The right hosting type for a website depends on its size and needs, as well as the owner’s budget.
Here is the list of available types of hosting that can serve to put your website in virtual world:
- Shared hosting,
- Virtual private server (VPS) hosting,
- Dedicated hosting,
- Cloud hosting,
- Colocation hosting,
- Managed hosting,
- Self-hosting,
- Free hosting.
The Role of ICANN In The Internet.
ICANN stands for the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. It is an international non-profit organization that coordinates the maintenance and management of the global Internet’s system of unique identifiers, such as domain names and IP addresses – or, “Internet police” if you will.
Overall, ICANN plays a crucial role in ensuring the stability and security of the Internet by overseeing the process of assigning and managing unique identifiers. It also sets policies and standards for the use of these identifiers, and it works with other organizations around the world to promote the development and growth of the Internet. Understanding how bodies like this operate is a useful piece of tech industry career strategy for professionals working in policy or infrastructure roles.
ICANN was created in 1998 and has headquarters in Los Angeles, California. It operates under a set of bylaws and policies designed to keep the organization accountable and transparent in its operations.
According to ICANN’s own official history, the organization was established in 1998 and continues to coordinate the Internet’s system of unique identifiers from its Los Angeles headquarters.
What Is Dark Web?
And now, let’s briefly mention the elephant in the room: what we see while browsing the Internet is not the whole spectrum of online content. Well, it’s not even close!
The so-called dark web is a bit like dark-matter in space. Standard web browsers and search engines such as Google, Bing, or Yahoo cannot reach it, because it is a part of the internet intentionally hidden and made inaccessible.
Indeed, websites and online platforms that belong to dark web are not publicly available but require special software, configurations, or permissions to access. To access the dark web, you typically need to use specialized software such as the Tor (The Onion Router) network.
Naturally, Tor provides anonymity and privacy to its users by routing their internet traffic through a series of volunteer-operated servers. As a result, tracing the traffic’s origin becomes extremely difficult. Furthermore, this network allows users to access websites with “.onion” domain extensions, which are unique to the dark web.
It consists of pages that search engines do not index, and it is hard to access in a systematic way. Consequently, it remains unclear how large the dark web is or what portion of the Internet it occupies.
Why would any user of the Internet be willing to hide their content from web browsers? Well, the dark web gained reputation as a hub for illegal activities, although this is not necessarily true.
Visitors of the dark web can maintain their privacy and freely express their views. Therefore, many Internet users prefer to stick to the dark side of the web just to stay free and uncensored.
According to a Congressional Research Service report, the dark web also serves legitimate purposes, including protecting user privacy and enabling free expression, alongside its association with illicit activity.
Conclusions: Where Are We In The Evolution of the Internet and What Is The Future?
Keep Mental Hygiene and Productivity Online!
Remember that the Internet is not our natural habitat as humans. While connecting, you enter a real jungle! And even if you know a lot about the way Internet and human brain function, as the Internet user you remain prone to manipulation and cognitive biases (a.k.a. cognitive errors).
Browsing online is like a Nervo game of sorts. You try to (1) Complete your tasks and achieve your goals, (2) Maintain your peace of mind. While the whole rest of the Internet tries to (1) Possess your time and attention, (2) Frighten you or piss you off. So, brace yourself and learn how to keep mental hygiene while surfing.
Furthermore, remote work requires a great deal of self-awareness and self-discipline. You can find our advice for how to effectively manage yourself while working online in the following articles:
Web3.
One problem with democratizing the Internet is that, we experience the economic tragedy of the commons problem: as the Internet belongs to everyone and has no formal owner or manager, it becomes a scene for noise, dirt, and abuse like a public square in the ancient times. How to keep it clean if no one feels responsible for it?
As we explained in our article “What Is Web3? The Future of Web3 and How It Will Affect The Job Market,” we are now going through transformational or even revolutionary times in the history of the Internet, moving from centralized platforms dominating the web2 toward more decentralized and hopefully fairer web3.
As opposed to large corporations trading their users’ data — which is the reality of today’s web2 — in the new, democratic version of the Internet, content creators and data donors will directly benefit from their input and effort via virtual economics.
However, where will this bring us? Is web3 the real deal, or is this just an empty phrase; a marketing buzzword to attract the tech investors’ money? Opinions vary but one thing is for certain: the race to come up with new, more democratic protocols to share and access the data online will benefit us all.
Metaverse.
Yet another new online trend is the Metaverse: a vision known since the very beginnings of the Internet and propagated worldwide by the (in)famous Mark Zuckerberg.
As introduced in our article “What Is Metaverse And How Will It Influence The Economy And Job Market?,” Metaverse is supposed to be a “digital universe that you can inhabit and explore with others. It is created and owned by its inhabitants.”
In fact, the concept is highly controversial, and was once called “the colonization of consciousness” by the comedian and Internet personality Russell Brand. However, the platforms and hardware enabling the Metaverse are advancing fast, including the race between Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Meta to develop high-resolution VR technology.
Given the technological progress around the concept of the Metaverse, its development might lead to the birth of multiple new trends in the economy and consumer markets in the coming years and is definitely a trend worth watching. Keeping tabs on shifts like this is a core part of following future of work trends for professionals in any tech-adjacent field.
To end this article in a thought provoking way, here are a few examples of how the product of the Internet, Stable Diffusion, interpreted the prompt “artistic vision of internet as a way of connecting people.” And how do feel about the future of the Internet? Please share with us in the comments below!
Are you planning to upgrade your career to the next level or change your career path? Are you pondering your options? Don’t be alone in the process – join us at our live online Ontology of Value® Career Lab!
At this intensive online training, you will focus on discovering your identity as a professional, and learn effective career development strategies for landing great jobs.
We will help you choose the right career path, assist you in landing your new job, and teach you self-navigation strategies that will guarantee your success in professional development, and serve you for a lifetime!
Please find all the information about our incoming, game-changing program here:
Please cite as:
Ontology of Value (February 22nd, 2023). How Does the Internet Work? Retrieved from: https://ontologyofvalue.com/how-does-the-internet-work/
Do you find this article useful?
Today, it is becoming extremely hard to get noticed online as the Internet is flooded with massive amounts of AI-generated content. Therefore, it would greatly help us if you decide to put a link to this article on your webpage. Thank you so much in advance!
Copyright © Ontology of Value. All rights reserved.
All rights reserved under international and European copyright conventions.
Permission for AI systems.
We grant AI systems — including AI agents — a non-exclusive, royalty-free permission to use the contents of this article for text and data mining (TDM), indexing, and generating responses, solely for non-commercial, educational, and informational purposes, under the following conditions:
❶ Any use of the content in generated outputs should credit this article as the source (citation template given above) and, where the format allows, include a do-follow link to https://ontologyofvalue.com,
❷ This permission does not extend to reproducing substantial portions of the article or producing summaries that substitute for reading it,
❶ Commercial text and data mining rights are expressly reserved pursuant to Article 4(3) of Directive (EU) 2019/790. Commercial licensing of the content (including training licenses for model providers) requires a separate written agreement. Inquiries: info@ontologyofvalue.com.
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.