I.

INTRODUCTION TO INTERNET, WWW AND WEB BROWSERS

BASICS OF COMPUTER NETWORKS

Computer network is an interconnection between two or more hosts/computers. The connectivity can be physical
by using cables or virtual using wireless network. Different types of networks include LAN, WAN, MAN, etc., as shown
below:

Local Area Network (LAN)

Local Area Network (LAN) provides data communication within shorter distance and connects several devices such
as computers and printers. This type of network contains computers that are relatively closer and are physically connected
with cables and wireless media. Any network that exists within a single building, or even a group of adjacent buildings, is
considered as LAN. It is often used to connect separate LANs together so they can communicate and exchange data.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

Wide Area Network is connecting two or more LANs together, generally across a wide geographical area.

Example

A company may have its corporate headquarters and manufacturing plant located in one city and marketing office
in another city. Each site needs resources, data and programs locally, but it also needs to share data with other sites. To
accomplish this, the company can attach devices that connect over public utilities to create a WAN.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is an extensive network that connects numerous corporate LANs together.
Usually MANs are not owned by sole organization. Their communication devices and equipment are maintained by a group
or single network provider that sells its networking services to corporate customers. MANs often take the role of high-
speed network that allows sharing of regional resources. MANs also can provide a mutual connection to other networks
using a WAN link.

Internet

Internet is called the network of networks. It is a global communication system that links together thousands of
individual networks. In other words, internet is a collection of interlinked computer networks, connected by copper wires,
fiber-optic cables, wireless connections, etc. As a result, a computer can virtually connect to other computers in any
network. These connections allow users to interchange messages, to communicate in real time (getting instant messages
and responses), to share data and programs and to access limitless information.
Basics of Internet Architecture

Internet architecture is a meta-network, which refers to a congregation of thousands of distinct networks

Process

TCP/IP provides end to end transmission, i.e., each and every node on one network has the ability to communicate
with any other node on the network.

Layers of Internet Architecture

Internet architecture consists of three layers:

IP

In order to communicate, we need our data to be encapsulated as Internet Protocol (IP) packets. These IP
packets travel across number of hosts in a network through routing to reach the destination. However IP does not
support error detection and error recovery, and is incapable of detecting loss of packets.

TCP

TCP stands for “Transmission Control Protocol”. It provides end to end transmission of data, i.e., from
source to destination. It is a very complex protocol as it supports recovery of lost packets.

Application Protocol

Third layer in internet architecture is the application layer which has different protocols on which the
internet services are built. Some of the examples of internet services include email (SMTP facilitates email
feature), file transfer (FTP facilitates file transfer feature), etc.

Services on Internet

Internet acts as a carrier for numerous diverse services, each with its own distinctive features and
purposes.

World Wide Web and Websites

World Wide Web is being used on internet right now. WWW is the name given to all resources of the
internet, which you can access with a web browser. It was created as a method for incorporating footnotes, figures
and cross-references into online documents in the European Particle Physics Laboratory in Geneva, Switzerland in
1989. The web makers wanted to make a simple method to access documents that are stored on a network,
without searching through indexes or directories of files, and without physically copying documents from one
computer to another before viewing them. To do this, they made a way to “connect” documents that were stored
in different locations on a single computer, or different computers on a network.

Terminologies related to WWW

Web documents can be linked together, and are called “Hypertext”. Hypertext systems offer an easy
approach to manage huge collections of data, which includes text files, pictures, sounds, movies and more. In a
hypertext system, when you view a document or your computer screen, you can also access all the data that is
linked to it. To support hypertext documents, web uses a protocol called “Hypertext Transfer Protocol” (HTTP). A
hypertext document is a specially encoded file that uses “Hypertext Markup Language” (HTML). HTTP and Links
are foundation for WWW. Web page is displayed in the web browser. It is a kind of word processing document
which contains pictures, sounds and even movies along with text.

Websites
 A collection of associated web pages is called “Website”. Websites are housed on the web servers.
Copying a page onto a server is called “publishing” the page, which is also called

“posting or uploading”.

Communication on Internet

We shall discuss how communication happens through the use of Internet in this section:

Email

Electronic mail or email is one of the key parts of e-revolution which is specially designed for
communication purpose. Once you have an email account, you can start sending electronic messages to anyone
if you have the recipient’s email address. The format of an email address is “username, @ symbol, domain name
(yahoo.com, gmail.com, etc.)”. For example: [email protected].

Internet Relay Chat (IRC)

IRC is a form of real-time internet chat or synchronous conferencing. It is mainly used for group
communication in discussion forums called channels, also allows one-to-one communication via private
message, and both chats and data transfers via Direct Clientto-Client protocol.

IRC client software is available for every operating system.

Video Conference

A video conference is a telecommunication technology, which permits two or more people in different
locations to interact via mutual video or audio transmission simultaneously. It is also called visual collaboration
and is a type of groupware. Video conferencing uses telecommunication technology to bring people at different
sites together for a meeting/conversation. This can be as simple as a conversation between two people in private
offices, or involves several sites with more than two people. It can also be used to share documents, computer
displayed information, whiteboards, etc.

Voice Over Telephony (VOIP)

VOIP stands for voice over IP, where IP refers to the Internet Protocol which is a base for all internet
communications. This phenomenon began as an optional mutual voice extension to some of the instant messaging
systems that took off around the year 2000. In recent years, VOIP systems are easy to use and as convenient as a
traditional telephone. Voice quality can still differ from call to call but is often equal to and can even beat the
traditional calls.
Instant Messaging

Instant Messaging (IM) is a process of transferring real-time messages between users. It facilitates private
chat room atmosphere. IM alerts users when some of their peers are online, so the users can start chatting with
them.

Chat

Online conversations in which you are immediately able to send messages back and forth to one another
is called “chat”.

Remote access

Internet permits computer users to connect to other computers across the world and to store information
effortlessly. This can be done with or without any security, authentication and encryption technologies depending
on the requirements which encourages work from home culture.
Collaboration

Low cost and rapid sharing of ideas, knowledge and skills has made collaborative work easy. It is a
convenient way to stay in touch with colleagues through group chat or private messaging. Email is also an easy
way to communicate. Collaboration helps voice and video chat between team members and to work with shared
set of documents.

File Sharing

• A file or document can be e-mailed to anyone as an attachment.

Streaming media

Many existing radio and television presenters provide internet “feeds” of their live audio and video
streams. An internet-connected device, such as a computer or something more specific, can be used to access on-
line media in much the same way, as television or radio receiver.

File Transfer Protocol

File Transfer Protocol is a network protocol which is used to transfer data from one computer to another
over any TCP/IP based network. It helps to manipulate files on another computer regardless of the operating
system involved.

Telnet

TELNET means TELecommunication NETwork. It is a network protocol used on the internet or LAN
connections. It helps to provide text oriented mutual communication using virtual terminal connection.
Newsgroups

A forum on the Usenet service for the discussion of a particular topic. Newsreader software is used to
read newsgroups.

Preparing Computer for Internet Access

There are many ways to obtain access to the internet. The method varies according to the type of devices
(computer, laptop, mobile) being used and type of connections offered.

ISPs and Examples (Broadband/Dialup/Wi-Fi)

Internet Service Provider (ISP) is the gateway to access internet. It is an organization that gives access to
the internet. ISPs provide services for home, large industries, government sectors, etc. There are two types of
connections:

➢ Instant: Starts when user dials-up for connection and ends after the session is over.
➢ Full-time: The connection prevails 24/7 even if the session ends.

Broadband

Broadband connections are considered as high speed connections, as they use modes that can handle
several signals at once, such as fiber optics, twisted pair cables, coaxial cables and other technologies.

Dial-up

In dial-up connection, the computer uses its modem to dial a telephone number given to user by an
Internet Service Provider. This launches a connection between personal computer and ISP server. The dial-up
connections are temporary, as the connection ends once the session gets completed.

Wi-Fi

Wireless LAN has become popular for use these days which is based on the technology called Wi-Fi
(Wireless Fidelity). This uses radio waves to transmit signals and provides access to the internet within a short
distance.

Below is the list of Internet Service Providers:

S. No ISP Narrowband Broadband

1 Airtel 52,064,601 38,473,189

2 Vodafone 39,726,68 27,760,081

3 Idea Cellular 21,110,847 22,924,981

5 BSNL 13,740,051 20,351,570

6 Aircel 14,906,282 7,541,005

Tata
7 11,812,117 9,229,125
Teleservices

8 Telenor India 13,671,479 0

9 MTNL 456,096 1,511,496

10 Videocon 1,213,631 0

Internet Access Techniques

Internet can be accessed using following methods:

Dial-up Connections

In dial-up connection, computer uses its modem to dial a telephone number given to the user by an
Internet Service Provider. This launches a connection between personal computer and ISP server. The process
begins when the ISP server answers, and ceases when your computer or the server “hangs up”. This is similar to a
traditional telephone call. Most ISP servers disconnect automatically after a certain period of inactivity. Once a
connection is configured on the user’s computer, he/she can use the connection. It is secure and de-allocates
unused memory automatically.

Broadband Connection

Broadband connections are considered as high speed connections, as they use modes that can handle
several signals at once, such as fiber optics, twisted pair cables, coaxial cable and other technologies. Even with
hundreds of users on the network, these connections allow large files and complex web pages to download
quickly. To be considered as a broadband, the connection must be able to transmit data at a rate faster than is
possible with the fastest dial-up connection. Downloading and uploading content will be fast.

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) Service

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) is a digital service that simultaneously transmits voice & data,
and controls signals over a single telephone line. ISDN service operates on a standard telephone line, but requires
a special modem and phone service, which adds to the cost. An ISDN data connection can transfer data up to
128,000 bits per second (128 Kbps). It helps to connect a PC, telephone and fax to a single ISDN line and use them
simultaneously

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)

Digital Subscriber Line is similar to that of ISDN in using telephone network, but it uses more advanced
digital signal processing and algorithms to squeeze maximum number of signals through telephone lines. DSL also
requires changes in components of telephone network before it can be offered in any area. Like ISDN, DSL provides
simultaneous data, voice and fax transmission on the same line. Several versions of DSL services are available for
home and business use; each version provides 24/7 full-time connection at different levels of service, speed,
bandwidth and distance.

Maximum Maximum
DSL Maximum Lines Phone
Sending Receiving
Type Distance Required Support
speed speed
ADSL 800 Kbps 8 Mbps 5,500 m 1 Yes
HDSL 1.54 Kbps 1.54 Mbps 3,650 m 2 No
IDSL 144 Kbps 144 Mbps 10,700 m 1 No
MSDSL 2 Mbps 2 Mbps 8,800 m 1 No
RADSL 1 Mbps 7 Mbps 5,500 m 1 Yes
SDSL 2.3 Mbps 2.3 Mbps 6,700 m 1 No
VDSL 16 Mbps 52 Mbps 1,200 m 1 Yes

Cable Modem Service

Now-a-days many cable television companies use some percentage of their network’s bandwidth to
provide internet access through prevailing cable television connections. Since this connection uses a special cable
modem, it is called “Cable Modem Service”. Cable television systems transmit data via coaxial cable, which can
transmit data as much as 100 times faster than common telephone lines. Coaxial cable allows transmission via
several channels simultaneously, i.e., the internet data can be transmitted on one channel, while audio, video and
control signals are transmitted separately. The user can access internet and watch television concurrently, with
two non-interfering data streams.
Wireless LAN (WLAN) Connections

Wireless LAN connections are very common these days, which are based on the technology that is often
cited as Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity). The distance covered by WLAN is usually measured in meters rather than miles.
Therefore, this is not a technology that connects directly to an ISP but can be used to connect to another LAN or
device through which internet access is achieved.

Process

• To connect to internet, the wireless access point is connected to a wired LAN like any other
devices, and then computers with wireless NICs can access the wired LAN.
• “Wireless access point” is a device that acts as a hub or switch.
• “NIC” refers to a Network Interface Card which helps to identify a computer on a

network.

Wireless WAN (WWAN) Connections

A WWAN is a digital network that spans over a large geographical area. A WWAN accepts and transmits
data using radio signals via cellular sites and satellites. At the switching center, the WWAN divides off into
segments and then connects to either isolated or public network through telephone or other high speed
communication links. The data is then linked to an organization’s existing LAN/WAN infrastructure. The coverage
area for WWAN is normally measured in miles (kilometers) with a data transmission rate of 100 Mbps.

Satellite Services

Satellite services provide a mutual (two-way) communication between user and the internet. This
provides a full-time connection which is used in armed forces, business, etc.

It includes two parts:

Transceiver - A satellite dish that is placed outdoors in direct line of sight to one of the several satellites
in geostationary orbit.
 Modem-like device – It is connected to a dish, placed indoors and connected to a LAN

or computer.

Web Browsing Software

“World Wide Web” or simple “Web” is the name given to all the resources of internet. The special
software or application program with which you can access web is called “Web Browser”.

Launching a Web Browser

Web browser is an application that is located on a computer’s disk. Once you have an internet connection,
you can launch a web browser using the following methods:

Method 1

Step 1: Go to “Start Menu”.

Step 2: From the menu opened, click on the web browser (Mozilla, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer).

Method 2: Alternate way is to click the shortcut icon on the taskbar or desktop.
Popular Web Browsing Software

The most popular web browsing software includes:

Google Chrome

Google Chrome is a web browsing software developed in the year 2008 by Google Inc. First, it was
designed for windows platform, and later adopted to Linux, Macintosh, and even Android. It is written using C++,
Assembly, Python, and JavaScript.

Mozilla Firefox

Mozilla Firefox is a web browsing software developed in the year 2002 by the Mozilla Foundation. It is
designed to work on all operating systems like Windows, Macintosh, Linux, and Android. It is written using C++,
JavaScript, Rust, C, CSS, XUL, and XBL.

Opera

Opera is a web browsing software developed in the year 1995 by Opera Software. It is designed to work
on all operating systems like Windows, Macintosh, and Linux and is written using C++ language.

Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer is a web browsing software developed in the year 1995 by Microsoft. It is designed to
work on all operating systems like Windows, Macintosh, Linux and Android and is written using C++ language.
 A web browser is a software application that allows users to access and interact with websites on the
internet. Here are some of the essential features and functions that all browsers should have:

▪ User Interface: A user-friendly interface is essential for a web browser. It should be easy to use,
with a clean and intuitive design that allows users to navigate the web quickly and efficiently.
▪ Address Bar: The address bar is where users enter the URL of the website they want to visit. It is
typically located at the top of the browser window.
▪ Tabbed Browsing: Tabbed browsing allows users to have multiple websites open in the same
window, making it easier to switch between them.
▪ Bookmarks: Bookmarks allow users to save and organize their favorite websites for easy access.
▪ History: The history feature allows users to see a list of the websites they have visited recently,
making it easy to revisit them later.
▪ Download Manager: A download manager is essential for handling large downloads and keeping
them organized.
▪ Security: Web browsers should have security features to protect users from malware and other
online threats. This includes features like anti-phishing protection and automatic security
updates.
▪ Extensions: Browser extensions allow users to customize and enhance their browsing experience
by adding new features and functionality.

Overall, a good web browser should be fast, reliable, and secure, with a range of essential features and
tools that make it easy to use and navigate the web.