Section 2.1 The Internet

Question 1

What is the definition of internet?

Answer 1

A worldwide collection of inter-connected networks.

Question 2

What is a IP address (internet protocol)?

Answer 2

A address unique to every device with internet connection.

Question 3

What is a domain name?

Answer 3

Websites have a IP address, but humans are bad at remembering numbers, so a domain name is given, like www.bbc.com, which is then translated into an IP address.

Question 4

What is the DNS (domain name server)?

Answer 4

When you type in a domain name, it goes to the DNS which translates it to an IP address.

Question 5

What is MAC addressing?

Answer 5

To connect to the internet a device needs a NIC card (network interface controller). Each NIC has a MAC address assigned to it.

Question 6

What is a WAN (wide area network)?

Answer 6

A collection of computers connected together by a third party.

Question 7

What is circuit switching?

Answer 7

When you make a phone call, a dedicated connection is set up for you and the person you are calling.

Question 8

What is packet switching?

Answer 8

When you send data across the internet it is split up into 'packets' of around 513 bytes with each of the following:
•the IP it's going to
•the IP it's from
•the sequence number of the packet
•the number of total packets
•error checking data

Packets are sent along different routes and assembled at the location.