Computerscience

Why can a newly purchased smartphone immediately communicate with a device in another country?

Because the Internet uses open, standardized protocols that every device follows, allowing any connected device to communicate globally.

What does IP do?

IP assigns unique addresses and routes packets from the sender to the receiver across networks.

What does TCP do that IP does not?

TCP ensures reliable delivery by checking for errors, resending lost packets, and putting packets in the correct order.

Why doesn't the Internet break when a cable is damaged?

Because the network has redundancy—multiple possible paths—so data can be rerouted.

Why might packets arrive out of order?

Packets may take different routes through the network, causing them to arrive at different times.

What is a path in networking?

A path is the route data takes through the network; there are many paths because redundancy ensures reliability and flexibility.

What Internet protocol is used to deliver web pages?

HTTP (or HTTPS for secure pages).

What is the purpose of DNS?

DNS translates domain names (like google.com) into IP addresses that computers understand.

Why are open protocols important for the Internet to function?

They let all devices and networks communicate regardless of manufacturer or country.

What makes the Internet scalable?

Its protocols are designed to support billions of devices without major changes.

Why are protocols open?

So anyone can build devices or software that connect to the Internet, ensuring compatibility.

What is the purpose of metadata?

Metadata provides information about a packet—like to/from addresses, order, and protocol—so it can be delivered correctly.

What do IP addresses do?

They uniquely identify each device on the Internet so data can be sent to the correct destination.

When are TCP vs UDP vs HTTP used?

TCP: when accuracy matters (web pages, emails). UDP: when speed matters more than accuracy (video calls, gaming). HTTP: when requesting or delivering web content.

Why does redundancy make networks reliable?

Extra paths allow data to still flow even if part of the network fails.

How does routing work?

Routers examine packet metadata and choose the best available path to forward packets toward their destination.

Why does the Internet scale well?

Its layered, open protocols allow more devices to join without redesigning the entire system.

What does DNS do?

It converts easy-to-remember domain names into numerical IP addresses.

What is redundancy in networking?

A network design where extra paths exist so if one path fails, another can be used.

What is fault-tolerance?

The ability of a network to keep operating even when some components fail.

What is scalability?

The Internet's ability to grow to billions of devices without needing major redesign.