Internet Terms Glossary

DNS (Domain Name System)

• Definition: A system that translates human-friendly domain names into IP addresses.

• Functionality: When a user types a URL (like Google.com) into a web browser, the browser queries a DNS server to find the corresponding IP address.

• Process:

  • User inputs URL (e.g., Google.com).

  • DNS server receives the request and translates it into an IP address.

  • The server directs the browser to the correct location using the IP address.

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URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

• Definition: The address used to access a web page on the Internet.

• Example: When typing Google.com into the address bar, you are using a URL.

• Purpose: Serves as a way to locate resources on the web easily.

IP Address

• Definition: A unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a network.

• Format: Comprised of numbers and decimal points (e.g., 192.0.2.1).

• Functionality: Identifies and locates devices within a network or on the Internet, allowing them to communicate with each other.

Router

• Definition: A device that forwards data packets between computer networks.

• Functionality:

  • Connects multiple devices within a network.

  • Directs data traffic efficiently over the Internet by determining the best path for data transfer.

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)

• Definition: A core protocol of the Internet protocol suite.

• Functionality:

  • Manages the transmission of data packets across a network.

  • Ensures data packets are sent and received in the correct order, maintaining the integrity of the data transfer.