What is Internet? Who Manages Internet? How internet Works?

Internet

The Internet is a global and grand computer network, called the network of networks. The internet is a global TCP/IP based network. It links a large number of autonomous systems, intranets, internets, LANs, MANs and WANs.

The Internet has its root in the ARPANET   system  of  the  Advanced   Research   Project  Agency   of  the  U.S. Department of Defense.  ARPANET was the first WAN and had only four sites in 1969. The internet evolved from basic ideas of ARPANeT for interconnecting computers was used by research organisations and universities initially to share and exchange information. In 1989 U.S. Government lifted restrictions on use of internet and allowed it to be used for commercial purposes as well. Since then, the internet has grown rapidly to become the world’s largest network.

Who Manages Internet?

Some groups have been formed totake care of the shared resources of Internet. One such body is called IAM (Internet Architectire Board), earlier called Internet Activities Board, as named by ARPA.

There are two main wings to this Board:

1. IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force)
2. IRTF (Internet Research Task Force)
3. IAB (Internet Architecture Board)

IETF consists consists of network designers, operators, vendors and researchers concerned with the evolution of internet architecture and he smooth operation of Internet. IETF is responsible for defining standards and does a documentation of internet known as RFC (Request for Comments).

IRTF looks into running term research problems, many of which are at times critical to the Internet.

IAB oversees the IETF and IRTF. It also ratifies any major change to the Internet that comes from the IETF.

How internet Works?

All computers and other equipments within any given network are basically connected to each other with the help of cables. The messages travel across the network with the help of networking protocols. The protocols used over the internet provide addresses for the computers attached to the physical network. In this way, different types of networks communicate with each other using the same protocol. To interpret the information being transmitted it is essential that the right software and hardware be in place. The commonly used protocols are :

• Internet Protocols (IP)
• Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)
• Together they are called as TCP/IP protocol.

Protocols

A protocol is a set of rules that governs data communications. Protocol defines the method of communication, how to communicate, when to communicate etc. Important elements of protocol are:

1. Syntax
2. Semantics
3. Timing

1. Syntax

Syntax means format of data or the structure how it is presented e.g. first eight bits are of sender address, next eight bits for receiver address and rest of the bits for message data.

2. Semantics

Semantics is the meaning of each section of bits e.g. the address bit means the route of transmission or final destination of the message.

3. Timing

Timing means, at which time data can be sent how fast data can be sent.