Internet and World Wide Web Summary

Internet Overview

  • The internet consists of interconnected computers via dedicated routers and servers.

Data Centers

  • Secure buildings housing powerful servers and network gear that store data for websites, emails, videos, games, etc.
  • Essential for hosting online applications and data.

Internet Performance Metrics

  • Latency: Delay between user action and network response; low latency is desirable for quick response times.
  • Bandwidth: Data transfer rate of a connection, measured in bits per second (bps), typically Mbps or Gbps.

Fiber Optics

  • Optical fibers are crucial for high-speed telecommunication due to low signal loss over distances.

Data Transfer Example

  • Mbps vs. MBps:
    • $200 ext{ Mbps} o 25 ext{ MB/s}$
    • Conversions: $MB/s= Mbps imes rac{1}{8}, ext{ and } Mbps= MB/s imes 8$

Internet Usage and Issues

  • Effects of Slow Internet:
    • Video calls: choppy audio, frozen video (latency/jitter).
    • Streaming: buffering or low resolution (bandwidth limitations).
    • Online games: lag, delayed actions (packet loss).

Historical Context

  • ARPANET: Established by U.S. Department of Defense in the 1960s; precursor to the internet, enabling collaboration between military and labs.
  • World Wide Web (WWW): Emerged from hypertext technology; propelled growth of internet through enhanced navigation and search capabilities.