Chapter One

Internet Technology and Protocols Overview

Overview of the Internet and World Wide Web
What is the Internet?
The internet is defined as a global network of linked computers, servers, phones, and smart
appliances that communicate with each other using the transmission control protocol (TCP)
standard to enable the fast exchange of information and files, along with other types of services.

The Internet is a global network of billions of computers and other electronic devices. With the
Internet, it's possible to access almost any information, communicate with anyone else in the
world, and do much more.

Following are the advantages provided by the Internet:

Information:-The biggest benefit offered by the Internet is information. It functions as a

valuable resource of information. You can find any type of information on any subject with the
help of the search engines like Yahoo and Google.

Communication:-The primary goal of the Internet is communication. It has done extremely well
in this field, however the development process is still going on to make it more dependable and
quick. By sending an e-mail, we can contact a person who is physically present thousand miles
away within the fraction of a second’s time.

Entertainment: - Internet functions as a popular medium of entertainment. A wide variety of

entertainment including video games, music, movies, chat room, news and others can be
accessed through the Internet.

E-commerce: - E-commerce is the idea that is implemented for any form of commercial strategy
or business transactions that entails transmission of data from one corner of the world to another.
E-commerce has become a fantastic option through which you can shop anything.

Formation of communities:-Internet helps in formation of communities or forums. Here a

number of people can participate in different types of debates and discussions, express their
views and gather valuable knowledge.

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Services:-A variety of services are offered via Internet, for example job searching, online
banking, buying movie tickets, hotel reservations and consultation services etc. When you gain
these services offline, they become more expensive.

Following are the disadvantages of Internet:

Spamming: - Spamming denotes distribution of unsolicited e-mails in large numbers. They are
meaningless and they unnecessarily block the whole system. These activities are treated as
illegal.

Theft of personal details: - While using the Internet, there is high probability that your personal
details like name, address and credit card number may be accessed by con artists and used for
fraudulent purposes.

Pornography: Pornography is definitely harmful for your children. There are numerous
pornographic sites available over the Internet and watching any of those can have very bad
influence on the mental health of your children.

Virus threat: - Virus is a program that interrupts the usual operation of your personal computer
system. PCs linked to the Internet have high probability of virus attacks and as a result of this
your hard disk can crash, giving you a lot of trouble.

What is World Wide Web?

World Wide Web, which is also known as a Web, is a collection of websites or web pages stored
in web servers and connected to local computers through the internet. These websites contain
text pages, digital images, audios, videos, etc. Users can access the content of these sites from
any part of the world over the internet using their devices such as computers, laptops, cell
phones, etc. The WWW, along with internet, enables the retrieval and display of text and media
to your device.

How the World Wide Web Works?

Now, we have understood that WWW is a collection of websites connected to the internet so that
people can search and share information. Now, let us understand how it works!

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Website

What is website?

Website is a collection of related web pages that may contain text, images, audio and video. The
first page of a website is called home page. Each website has specific internet address (URL) that
you need to enter in your browser to access a website.

Website is hosted on one or more servers and can be accessed by visiting its homepage using a
computer network. A website is managed by its owner that can be an individual, company or an
organization.

The purpose of a website can be almost anything: a news platform, an advertisement, an online
library, a forum for sharing images, or an educational site like us!

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What is web page?

A web page is a document written in hypertext (also known as HTML) that you can see online,
using a web browser. Most web pages include text, photos or videos, and links to other web
pages. A group of many web pages managed by one person or company is a website.

Types of Website

There are two types of website

1. Static website
2. Dynamic website

Static website

Static website is the basic type of website that is easy to create. You don't need the knowledge of
web programming and database design to create a static website. Its web pages are coded in
HTML.

The codes are fixed for each page so the information contained in the page does not change and
it looks like a printed page.

Dynamic website

Dynamic website is a collection of dynamic web pages whose content changes dynamically. It
accesses content from a database or Content Management System (CMS). Therefore, when you
alter or update the content of the database, the content of the website is also altered or updated.

Dynamic website uses client-side scripting or server-side scripting, or both to generate dynamic
content.

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Client side scripting generates content at the client computer on the basis of user input. The web
browser downloads the web page from the server and processes the code within the page to
render information to the user.

In server side scripting, the software runs on the server and processing is completed in the server
then plain pages are sent to the user.

Static website vs Dynamic website

Static Website Dynamic Website

Prebuilt content is same every time the page is Content is generated quickly and changes
loaded. regularly.
It uses the HTML code for developing a It uses the server side languages such as
website. PHP, SERVLET, JSP, and ASP.NET etc. for
developing a website.
It sends exactly the same response for every It may generate different HTML for each of
request. the request.
The content is only changed when someone The page contains "server-side" code which
publishes and updates the file (sends it to the allows the server to generate the unique
web server). content when the page is loaded.
Flexibility is the main advantage of static Content Management System (CMS) is the
website. main advantage of dynamic website.

Website design tools and how the web works

What is a web design tools?

 Web design tools are interfaces that help you create websites or elements for a website.

 Each tool or software offers a different inventory or features that help you customize your
website to your preference and needs.

Here are some web design tools to consider using:

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WordPress. WordPress is a web design software that's well-suited for novice designers. ...

Adobe Dreamweaver. Adobe Dreamweaver gives you the opportunity to build your website from
scratch. ...

HTML:-

CSS:-

JavaScript:-

How does a web work?

The browser goes to the DNS server, and finds the real address of the server that the website
lives on. The browser sends an HTTP request message to the server, asking it to send a copy of
the website to the client then the sent copy is displayed on the browser.

Common Internet protocols

Common Internet protocols include HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), FTP (File Transfer
Protocol), DNS (Domain Name System), and Transmission Control/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).

HTTP

What is HTTP?

HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol.

It is a protocol used to access the data on the World Wide Web (www).

HTTP is an application-layer protocol and relies on an underlying network-layer protocol such as

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) to function.

HTTP follows a request-response paradigm in which the client makes a request and the server
issues a response that includes not only the requested content, but also relevant status
information about the request.

The HTTP protocol can be used to transfer the data in the form of plain text, hypertext, audio,
video, and so on.

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This protocol is known as Hypertext Transfer Protocol because of its efficiency that allows us to
use in a hypertext environment where there are rapid jumps from one document to another
document.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

What is FTP?

FTP is the protocol used to transmit files between computers connected to each other by a
TCP/IP network, such as the Internet.

File transfer protocol (FTP) is a standard communication protocol used to transfer computer files
from one location to another via the Internet.

A massive amount of digital files are exchanged over the Internet every day. FTP enables digital
files to be moved between different systems. For example, when a file is downloaded online,
FTP collects the file (from the remote server where it is hosted) and transfers the file to the local
device. After it is transferred from the server to the local device, the file is available offline.

People have been using FTP to upload and download files. If you’ve ever downloaded software
from the internet, you’ve likely used FTP.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a standard network protocol used for the transfer of files from
one host to another over a TCP-based network, such as the Internet.

FTP is a standard internet protocol provided by TCP/IP used for transmitting the files from one
host to another.

DNS

What is the DNS protocol?

The Domain Name System (DNS) protocol is a process that allows internet users to navigate the
internet using hostnames instead of numeric IP addresses.

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It helps you find websites by translating easy-to-remember names (like www.example.com) into
the numerical IP addresses (like 192.0.2.1) that computers use to locate each other on the
internet. Without DNS, you would have to remember long strings of numbers to visit your
favorite websites.

Domain Name System (DNS) is a hostname used for IP address translation services.

What is the Need for DNS?

Every host is identified by the IP address but remembering numbers is very difficult for people
also the IP addresses are not static therefore a mapping is required to change the domain name to
the IP address. So DNS is used to convert the domain name of the websites to their numerical IP
address.

Types of Domain

There are various kinds of domains:

Generic Domains: .com(commercial), .edu(educational), .mil(military), .org(nonprofit

organization), .net(similar to commercial) all these are generic domains.

Country Domain: .in (India) .us, .uk, .et (Ethiopia).

Inverse Domain: if we want to know what is the domain name of the website. IP to domain
name mapping. So DNS can provide both the mapping.

How Does DNS Work?

The working of DNS starts with converting a hostname into an IP Address. A domain name
serves as a distinctive identification for a website. It is used in place of an IP address to make it
simpler for consumers to visit websites. Domain Name System works by executing the database
whose work is to store the name of hosts which are available on the Internet. The top-level
domain server stores address information for top-level domains such as .com and .net, .org, and

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so on. If the Client sends the request, then the DNS resolver sends a request to DNS Server to
fetch the IP Address. In case, when it does not contain that particular IP Address with a
hostname, it forwards the request to another DNS Server. When IP Address has arrived at the
resolver, it completes the request over Internet Protocol.

Transmission Control Protocol

The Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is one of the core protocols of the Internet Protocol
Suite. It provides reliable, ordered delivery of a stream of bytes from a program on one
computer to another program on another computer. TCP is the protocol on which major Internet
applications such as the World Wide Web, email, remote administration and file transfer rely
on.

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), which uses a set of rules to exchange messages with other
Internet points at the information packet level

Additional protocols that include the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and File Transfer
Protocol (FTP), each with defined sets of rules to use with corresponding programs elsewhere on
the Internet

The key elements of a protocol are syntax, semantics, and timing

Syntax– structure or format of data

Semantics – meaning of each field

Timing–when data should be sent and how fast they can be sent.

Internet Protocol

The Internet Protocol (IP) is asset of rules that are more concerned with sending a message to the
correct address than with whether the data actually makes it to that receiver. IP works by
exchanging pieces of information called packets.

IP is responsible for selecting the best route for each message to travel on its way to the receiver.

TCP is required to complement IP for effective delivery of information over the Internet.

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Website designing steps and evaluation

What is web designing?

Web design involves creating the visual elements and layout of a website, while coding involves
translating these designs into a functional website using programming languages like HTML,
CSS, and JavaScript.

Website designing steps

Website design isn’t just about a pretty visual interface. It integrates a well-thought-out strategy
with the design and development process to fulfill the website’s ultimate purpose.

Follow this five-step process to create your winning website.

1. Define your website’s goals.

When starting the website design process, build a creative brief outlining the website’s goals.

To start the web design process well, communication between the client and the agency is
essential. The information provided by the client will be crucial in order to establish the basis of
the project and the most relevant data for the web design.

What is briefing

The briefing or brief is a document that establishes the basis of the project and the basic
information for designing the website.

This document should be comprehensive and detailed, including not only the objectives and
description of the business, but also any specific expectations of the client regarding the visual
style and functionality of the website.

The document should include information such as:

Main objectives

Information and description of the business.

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Mission, vision and values of the company.

Language and geographic scope.

Market and competitors.

Domain or possible name suggestions.

Deadlines.

Observations and limitations.

2. Plan your website design strategy.

Scope creep is a common web development issue. The project’s scope keeps expanding during
the web design and development phase — extending the estimated timelines and eventually
requiring budget extensions.

Strategic planning with realistic timelines can help you avoid scope creep and set up your
website for success.

In this stage, you must decide on the project’s technical aspects, such as selecting a technology
stack. First, you’ll choose a website builder or platform that can help you accomplish your goals
and stay within your budget. Content management systems like WordPress would likely suffice
if you want your website to act as an information source for users. However, if you want to set
up an online store, robust web frameworks would better suit your needs.

3. Design and develop the new website.

Your existing brand elements should influence the new website’s design. Incorporate your color
scheme, fonts, design and company logo so website visitors instantly recognize you. Startups can
give their web developers more design freedom.

After handing off the design to your development team, it’s time for the coding process. The
platform, database and framework you decided on earlier all play a role in translating your
design into functioning web pages.

You’ll conduct front- and back-end development during the development phase as you
incorporate website content into the design.

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Front-end coding: Front-end coding involves compiling an HTML/CSS code and deploying it
to run across the server.

Back-end coding: Back-end coding includes advanced functionality, integrations, plug-ins and
other behind-the-scenes functions. For example, when building an e-commerce business, you’ll
incorporate a payment gateway or payment processor.

4. Test your website.

Testing is a critical step in the website design process; it must happen concurrently with
development. End-to-end website testing includes functionality, user experience (UX), interface,
compatibility, performance and website security testing.

Primary testing categories include the following:

Functional testing: Functional testing ensures all website features are validated against what’s
included in the functional specifications document.

Usability testing: Usability testing focuses on ease of use while browsing, including
accessibility, search ability and usefulness.

Compatibility testing: Compatibility testing ensures the website functions uniformly across a
range of devices and operating systems, including mobile devices.

5. Launch and maintain your new website.

Your website launch involves transferring it from a local server to a live server.

Websites are dynamic, so you must continually update them and add functionality and content.

Evaluating a website Design

An evaluation is going to help us see if we are on the right track, and specifically, how we might
be able to improve our website or digital strategy.

Criteria for how to evaluate a Website Design

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1. Layout

Your website's appearance must be balanced and arranged logically. The content on your site
should be arranged hierarchically, with the most important information and brand positioning
messaging positioned further up on your homepage. Your content sections need to be paired with
well-placed call-to-action buttons. Finally, pay special attention to your website employing
mobile-first and responsive design to fit various screen sizes.

2. Colors

Your website should be consistent with your brand and logo while following solid principles of
color use in design. A bad use of color can be both off-putting to users and make your website
difficult to read and navigate.

3. Navigation

Your website's navigation should be intuitive and avoid crowding screen space on the page. Your
menu should be simple and avoid having too many pages listed at once.

4. Content Quality

The text, images, and videos of your site must be of excellent quality to the visitors. Your written
content should be confident, informative, and free of spelling and grammar errors. A good site
utilizes shorter paragraphs and text blocks to avoid overwhelming casual web users scanning for
specific information. Images and videos need to be sized correctly to prevent long loading times
or a pixelated appearance.

Compelling content is the backbone of any successful website. Content should be engaging and
accessible to diverse users, including those with disabilities. Here are some more factors to
consider in evaluating website content:

Relevance: Is the content aligned with the website's purpose and target audience? Is it up to
date?

Readability: Is the content easy to read and understand? Short paragraphs, bullet points, and
headings can enhance readability.

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Accessibility: Does the website follow accessibility guidelines, such as providing alternative text
for images and ensuring proper HTML markup for screen readers?

5. Search Engine Optimization

The most decisions that will positively impact your website's visibility on search engines are
very simple.

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