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F.O.I.A CHAPTER 1

Course Overview

  • Course Title: Internet Fundamentals & Applications

  • Prepared By: Dr. Asra Amidi

  • Institution: Lincoln University College

  • Copyright: ©2016-2018 Lincoln University College

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to:

    • Explain the function of the World Wide Web and its foundational protocols.

    • Develop and execute professional-quality web client applications.

    • Demonstrate competence working with the Document Object Model (DOM) in modern browsers.

    • Exhibit proficiency in Hypertext Markup Language (HTML).

    • Resolve a variety of technical problems associated with web clients.

    • Describe the generations of Internet technologies.

Lecture Schedule

  • Topics Covered:

    • Introduction to Internet Fundamentals

    • Introduction to Electronic Mail

    • Website Development

    • World Wide Web

    • Internet Collaboration

    • Internet Security and Privacy

    • Internet Web Programming

    • Internet Connectivity

    • Wireless Networks

    • Modern Wireless Networking Systems

Introduction to Internet Fundamentals

  • Key Topics:

    • Internet: Evolution, Advantages, and Disadvantages

    • Intranet: Benefits and Challenges

    • Intranet vs. Internet

    • Extranet: Benefits and Challenges

    • Extranet vs. Intranet

    • Internet Reference Models

    • Domain Name System (DNS) Architecture

Understanding the Internet

  • Definition:

    • The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks using the standard Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP).

  • IP Addresses:

    • Each computer is identified by a unique IP address, e.g., 110.22.33.114.

  • Domain Name Server (DNS):

    • Resolves domain names (e.g., http://www.google.com) to corresponding IP addresses for easy access.

  • Global Accessibility:

    • The Internet is accessible to users worldwide.

Evolution of the Internet

  • Origins (1969):

    • Derived from ARPANET, developed by the U.S. Department of Defense.

    • Initially had four nodes (hosts) establishing communication.

  • Expansion:

    • By 1972, ARPANET expanded to 23 nodes internationally, leading to the modern Internet.

  • Technological Advances:

    • Development of TCP/IP protocols, DNS, WWW, browsers, and scripting languages revolutionized web access and publishing.

Advantages of the Internet

  • Improvements In:

    • Education and technology

    • Access to online services and resources

Disadvantages of the Internet

  • Threats Include:

    • Loss of personal information and cyber crimes

    • Incidence of spamming and virus attacks

Understanding Intranet

  • Definition:

    • A private network within an organization with a server and firewall.

  • Accessibility:

    • Only organizational members can access it; external access is prohibited.

  • IP Addressing:

    • Each computer within the intranet has a unique IP address.

Advantages of Intranet

  • Key Benefits:

    • Efficient network for internal communication

    • Facilitates immediate updates and enhances collaboration

    • Increases workforce productivity and is cost-effective

Issues with Intranet

  • Concerns:

    • Management issues such as loss of control and hidden complexities

    • Security risks, including unauthorized access

    • Productivity concerns due to potential information overload

Intranet Applications

  • Examples Include:

    • Document publication systems such as manuals and software guides

    • Electronic resource sharing applications for templates and tools

    • Interactive communication tools, including email and chat functionalities

    • Support for testing Internet applications

Intranet vs Internet

  • Comparison:

    • Intranets: Localized, no internet access, generally more expensive, safer, and more reliable.

    • Internets: Worldwide, accessible, generally less expensive, less safe, and less reliable.

Extranet

  • Definition:

    • A controlled network connecting internal and external users (customers, suppliers) for collaboration.

Benefits of Extranet

  • Enhances sales effectiveness and productivity

  • Provides real-time market intelligence and online support

  • Integrates supply chains and allows tracking orders

Challenges of Extranet

  • Key Issues Include:

    • Hosting and bandwidth costs

    • Additional security requirements leading to complexity

    • Decreased face-to-face interaction reducing communication

Extranet vs Intranet

  • Comparison:

    • Extranet: Accessible externally, interconnected with suppliers/customers.

    • Intranet: Accessible only internally.

Internet Reference Models

  • OSI Model:

    • Developed by ISO, it includes seven layers, each serving a specific function.

OSI Model Functions

  • Layer Functions:

    • Each layer provides services to the layer above, ensuring seamless data transmission.

TCP/IP Reference Model

  • Overview:

    • Practical model used in Internet; includes layers such as Application, Transport, Internet, and Network Access.

Domain Name System Architecture

  • Components of DNS:

    • Domain names, name servers, and their hierarchical structure.

  • Domain Names:

    • Symbolic representations associated with IP addresses, e.g., com, edu, gov, etc.

DNS Functionality

  • Process:

    • Translates domain names into IP addresses via multiple steps, using local and root DNS servers to resolve addresses.