Introduction to the Internet Technologies

UNIT-1

Concept of intranet, difference between internet and intranet

Internet:

Definition: The internet is a global network of interconnected computers and servers that allows for the
exchange of information and data worldwide.

Accessibility: It is a publicly accessible network, meaning anyone with an internet connection can access it.

Scope: The internet is vast and encompasses websites, applications, email services, social media
platforms, online forums, and much more.

Security: It is a relatively open platform, so security measures like firewalls, encryption, and secure
protocols are essential for protecting data.

Examples: Google, Facebook, YouTube, and Wikipedia are examples of websites on the internet.

Intranet:

Definition: An intranet is a private network within an organization that uses internet technologies to
securely share information, resources, and applications among its members.

Accessibility: It is limited to members of the organization, typically employees, and sometimes authorized
external partners or stakeholders.

Scope: Intranets are designed for internal communication, collaboration, and sharing of resources like
documents, calendars, and databases.

Security: Intranets are generally more secure than the internet because they are protected by firewalls,
authentication measures, and other security protocols.

Examples: A company might have an intranet for its employees to access company resources, such as
internal wikis, HR portals, and communication tools.

Key Differences:

Accessibility: Internet is accessible to anyone with an internet connection, while intranet is restricted to
members of a specific organization.

Scope and Purpose: The internet is a global network used for various purposes including information
retrieval, social interaction, and online services. Intranets are limited to a specific organization and serve as
a platform for internal communication and collaboration.

Security: Intranets are typically more secure than the internet due to the controlled access and additional
security measures in place.
Content: Internet content is publicly available and can be accessed by anyone. Intranet content is
restricted to the organization and often contains sensitive or proprietary information.

Example Use Cases:

Internet: Sending emails, browsing websites, using social media, online shopping, etc.
Intranet: Accessing company resources like internal wikis, HR portals, sharing documents within a
team, and internal communication.

In summary, while the internet is a global network for public information sharing, the intranet is a private
network designed for secure internal communication within an organization.

Internet applications

Internet applications refer to software programs or services that utilize the internet as a medium for
communication, data exchange, and interaction. These applications run on various devices like computers,
smartphones, tablets, and more. Here are some common types of internet applications:

Web Browsers: Software applications like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge that allow users to access and
interact with websites on the World Wide Web.

Email Clients: Programs like Gmail, Outlook, and Thunderbird that enable users to send, receive, and
manage emails over the internet.

Social Media Platforms: Websites and mobile apps like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn that
facilitate social networking, content sharing, and communication among users.

Instant Messaging and Chat Apps: Applications like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Slack, and Skype that
enable real-time text, voice, and video communication between users.

Search Engines: Tools like Google, Bing, and Yahoo that help users find information on the internet by
indexing and providing search results based on user queries.

E-commerce Platforms: Websites and apps like Amazon, eBay, and Shopify that enable online buying and
selling of products and services.

Online Payment Systems: Services like PayPal, Venmo, and Square that allow users to make online
payments, transfers, and manage their finances.

Video Streaming Services: Platforms like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video that allow users
to watch videos, movies, and TV shows over the internet.

Cloud Storage and File Sharing: Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive that allow users to
store, sync, and share files and documents online.

Online Collaboration Tools: Applications like Google Workspace (formerly G Suite), Microsoft 365, and
Slack that facilitate collaboration, document editing, and communication in a team or organizational
setting.

Web-based Office Suites: Services like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides that allow users to create, edit, and
collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations online.
Webmail: Online email services like Gmail, Yahoo Mail, and Outlook.com that allow users to access and
manage their email accounts through a web browser.

Remote Desktop and Virtual Private Network (VPN) Software: Applications like TeamViewer, AnyDesk, and
VPN clients that enable remote access and secure connections to networks.

Online Gaming Platforms: Services like Steam, PlayStation Network, and Xbox Live that allow users to play
games with others over the internet.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP): Applications like Skype, Zoom, and Google Meet that enable voice and
video calls over the internet.

These are just a few examples, and there are many more specialized internet applications serving various
purposes and industries. The development of internet applications has significantly transformed how we
communicate, collaborate, and conduct business in the digital age.

Internet Service Providers (ISP) And Concept of client and server

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

An Internet Service Provider (ISP) is a company or organization that provides access to the internet to
individuals, businesses, and other organizations. ISPs connect users to the global network of the internet
through various technologies such as wired (like DSL, cable, fiber-optic) or wireless (like satellite, mobile
networks) connections.

ISPs act as intermediaries, allowing users to send and receive data over the internet. They assign unique IP
addresses to devices on their network, facilitate data transmission, and provide services like email, web
hosting, and virtual private networks (VPNs).

Some well-known ISPs include Comcast, AT&T, Verizon, and Spectrum in the United States, and providers
like BT, Virgin Media, and TalkTalk in the United Kingdom.

Client and Server:

Client:

A client is a computer program or device that requests services or resources from another program or
device, known as a server.

Clients can be anything from a personal computer, smartphone, tablet, or any device with network
capabilities.

Common examples of client software include web browsers (like Chrome, Firefox, Safari), email clients (like
Outlook, Thunderbird), and messaging apps (like WhatsApp, Slack).

Server:

A server is a computer program or device that provides services or resources to other programs or devices,
known as clients.

Servers are typically more powerful and have specialized software to handle a large number of requests
from clients.
Common types of servers include web servers (like Apache, Nginx), email servers (like Microsoft Exchange,
Postfix), and file servers (like FTP servers, NAS devices).

Client-Server Interaction:

When you use a web browser to access a website, the browser acts as the client. It sends a request to a
web server asking for a specific webpage.

The web server receives the request, processes it, and sends back the requested webpage to the client's
browser.

Similarly, when you send an email, your email client acts as the client, and it connects to an email server
which stores and delivers the email to the recipient's email server.

Key Difference:

The client is the entity that requests a service, while the server is the entity that provides the service.

In summary, ISPs enable users to connect to the internet, while the client-server model is a fundamental
architecture for communication between devices on a network, where clients request services or
resources from servers. This model is central to how information is exchanged on the internet.

concept of a web browser and web server

Web Browser:

A web browser is a software application that allows users to access and view websites on the World Wide
Web. It serves as an interface between the user and the internet, enabling them to interact with various
types of content, including text, images, videos, and interactive elements.

Here are some key points about web browsers:

Rendering HTML: Web browsers are designed to interpret and render Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)
files. HTML is the standard language used to create web pages. Browsers also support other web
technologies like CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) for styling and JavaScript for interactivity.

Graphical User Interface (GUI): Web browsers provide a graphical interface that allows users to navigate
the web easily. They include features like back and forward buttons, address bar, bookmarks, and tabs for
organizing multiple open web pages.

Compatibility: Browsers are developed to be compatible with various operating systems (Windows,
macOS, Linux) and devices (computers, smartphones, tablets).

Security: They incorporate security features like encryption protocols (HTTPS), pop-up blockers, and anti-
phishing measures to protect users from malicious content and cyber threats.

Popular Web Browsers: Some of the most widely used web browsers include Google Chrome, Mozilla
Firefox, Apple Safari, Microsoft Edge, and Opera.

Extensions and Add-ons: Browsers often support extensions or add-ons, which are additional pieces of
software that users can install to customize and enhance their browsing experience.

Web Server:
A web server is a software application or a computer system that stores, processes, and delivers web
pages to users over the internet. It responds to requests from web browsers, retrieves the requested
content, and sends it back to the user's browser for display.

Here are some key points about web servers:

Handling HTTP Requests: Web servers use the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) to communicate with
web browsers. When a user types a URL or clicks a link, their browser sends an HTTP request to the
corresponding web server.

Storing Website Files: Web servers store website files, including HTML documents, images, videos, CSS
stylesheets, and JavaScript files. These files are organized into a directory structure.

Processing Dynamic Content: In addition to static content, some web servers support dynamic content
generation using server-side scripting languages like PHP, Python, or Ruby. This allows for the creation of
interactive and data-driven web applications.

Security and Authentication: Web servers have security features to protect against unauthorized access.
This includes measures like firewalls, encryption (HTTPS), and authentication protocols.

Popular Web Servers: Some of the most widely used web server software includes Apache, Nginx,
Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS), and LiteSpeed.

In summary, a web browser is a user-facing application that allows interaction with web content, while a
web server is a backend software or system responsible for storing, processing, and delivering web pages
to users' browsers upon request. Together, they form the basis of how we access and interact with
information on the internet.

communicating on the internet

Communicating on the internet involves various methods and technologies that enable individuals,
businesses, and organizations to exchange information, interact, and collaborate. Here are some common
ways people communicate on the internet:

Email:

Definition: Electronic mail (email) is a method of exchanging digital messages between people
using electronic devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones.
Usage: Email is widely used for personal and professional communication. It allows for sending
text messages, attachments, and multimedia content.

Instant Messaging (IM) and Chat Apps:

Definition: Instant messaging involves real-time, text-based communication between two or more
people over the internet.
Usage: Popular instant messaging platforms include WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Slack, and
Microsoft Teams. They support group chats, file sharing, and voice/video calls.

Social Media:

Definition: Social media platforms enable users to create, share, and interact with content and
other users. They often include features like posts, comments, likes, and direct messaging.
 Usage: Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn facilitate social networking and
communication among a large audience.

Video and Voice Calls:

Definition: Voice and video calling services allow users to communicate in real-time using audio
and video streams over the internet.
Usage: Applications like Skype, Zoom, Google Meet, and FaceTime are used for both personal and
professional video conferencing.

Online Forums and Communities:

Definition: Online forums are discussion platforms where users can post messages and engage in
conversations on various topics.
Usage: Platforms like Reddit, Stack Exchange, and specialized forums cater to specific interests
and allow users to seek advice, share knowledge, and discuss.

Blogging and Social Blogging:

Definition: Blogging involves the creation of regular, informal online content, while social blogging
platforms allow users to publish and interact with content in a social environment.
Usage: Platforms like WordPress, Tumblr, and Medium are popular for personal and professional
blogging, while social blogging on platforms like Tumblr and LinkedIn allows for community
interaction.

Web Conferencing and Webinars:

Definition: Web conferencing allows participants to meet and collaborate in real-time through
online platforms, often with features like screen sharing, chat, and whiteboards. Webinars are
online seminars or presentations.
Usage: Tools like Zoom, Webex, and GoToMeeting are commonly used for web conferencing and
hosting webinars.

Social Networking for Professionals:

Definition: Professional networking platforms are specialized social networks for business
professionals to connect, share insights, and build relationships.
Usage: LinkedIn is a prominent example, used for job searches, professional networking, and
industry discussions.

File Sharing and Cloud Collaboration:

Definition: Services and applications that allow users to store, synchronize, and share files in the
cloud, facilitating collaborative work.
Usage: Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and collaborative tools like Google Workspace and
Microsoft 365 are widely used for document sharing and collaboration.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP):

Definition: VoIP technology enables voice calls to be made over the internet instead of traditional
phone lines.
Usage: Applications like Skype, WhatsApp, and Google Voice provide voice calling services.

These methods of communication on the internet have revolutionized how people interact, share
information, and collaborate across the globe. They offer diverse options to cater to various needs, from
personal conversations to professional meetings and global networking.
concept of domain- Physical domain and virtual domain

The concepts of physical domain and virtual domain are important in the context of computer networking
and system administration. They refer to different aspects of organizing and managing resources within a
network environment.

Physical Domain:

Definition: A physical domain refers to the actual, tangible hardware components and the physical layout
of a network. This includes devices like computers, servers, switches, routers, cables, and other physical
infrastructure.

Characteristics:

Hardware-Centric: Physical domains are primarily concerned with the physical equipment and
how they are physically connected.
Geographical Scope: It can refer to a single location (like a building or a room) or a larger
geographical area, depending on the scale of the network.
Maintenance and Management: Involves tasks like setting up, configuring, maintaining, and
troubleshooting physical hardware components.

Examples:

A computer lab within a university building with multiple desktop computers connected through
switches and routers.
A company's data center containing servers, storage devices, and networking equipment.

Virtual Domain:

Definition: A virtual domain, also known as a logical domain or virtual LAN (VLAN), is a way of segmenting a
network logically, allowing multiple networks to exist on the same physical infrastructure.

Characteristics:

Software-Defined: Virtual domains are created and managed through software, and they do not
have a physical presence. They exist as configurations within networking devices.
Logical Segmentation: They provide a way to logically separate parts of a network, even if the
physical hardware is shared.
Security and Isolation: Virtual domains can enhance security by isolating traffic, controlling
access, and reducing broadcast domains.

Examples:

Creating separate VLANs for different departments (e.g., Sales, Marketing, Finance) within a
company to segregate their network traffic for security and management purposes.
Virtualization technologies like VMware, Hyper-V, and KVM allow the creation of multiple virtual
machines (VMs) on a single physical server.

Key Differences:

Nature: Physical domains deal with physical hardware components and their connections. Virtual
domains, on the other hand, are software-defined and exist as configurations within networking
devices.
Scope: Physical domains are concerned with the actual physical layout and components of a network.
Virtual domains provide logical segmentation within a network, allowing for isolation and management
 of traffic.

In practice, both physical and virtual domains are often used together in complex network setups. For
example, a large organization might have various physical domains (like different office locations), each
containing multiple virtual domains (VLANs) for various departments or purposes. This combination allows
for efficient resource utilization and management.

Need of IP addressing, process to assign IP addresses, World Wide Web

IP Addressing:

IP addressing is a fundamental aspect of computer networking that allows devices to communicate over a
network. It provides a unique identifier to each device connected to a network, enabling data packets to be
routed accurately from the source to the destination.

Need of IP Addressing:

Uniqueness: Each device in a network needs a unique identifier to ensure that data is sent to the correct
destination.

Routing: IP addresses are used by routers to determine the most efficient path for data packets to reach
their destination.

Network Organization: IP addresses help organize devices into logical groups, allowing for easier
management and troubleshooting.

Internet Connectivity: For devices to access the internet, they must have a globally unique IP address.

Security: IP addresses can be used in firewalls and security protocols to control access to network
resources.

Process to Assign IP Addresses:

IP addresses can be assigned through different methods, depending on the type of network and its
requirements:

Static IP Addressing:

In static IP addressing, an administrator manually configures each device with a unique IP address.
This is common in scenarios where devices require a consistent and unchanging IP address, like
servers or network printers.

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP):

DHCP is a protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network.

A DHCP server manages a pool of available IP addresses and leases them to devices for a specific
period.
This is typical in home networks and large organizations, where managing IP addresses manually
would be impractical.

Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA):

APIPA is a feature in Windows that automatically assigns a private IP address to a device when
DHCP is not available.
 It's used as a fallback mechanism to ensure devices can still communicate on a local network even
if DHCP is not functioning.

Dynamic DNS (DDNS):

DDNS is a system that automatically updates DNS records when an IP address changes.
This is particularly useful for devices with changing IP addresses, like home networks with dynamic
IP assignments from the ISP.

World Wide Web:

The World Wide Web (often abbreviated as WWW or the web) is a system of interlinked hypertext
documents and multimedia content, accessed through the internet. It allows users to navigate between
web pages, which are connected by hyperlinks.

Components:

Web Pages: These are documents written in languages like HTML, containing text, images, links,
and other media.
Hyperlinks: These are clickable elements that allow users to navigate between web pages and
resources.
Web Servers: These are computers that store and deliver web pages in response to user requests.
Web Browsers: These are software applications that retrieve and display web pages, allowing users
to interact with the web.

HTTP and HTTPS:

The Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is the standard protocol used for transmitting data over
the web. HTTPS (HTTP Secure) is a secure version that uses encryption for added security.

Uniform Resource Locator (URL):

A URL is a web address that specifies the location of a resource on the internet. It includes the
protocol (http or https), domain name, and path to the resource.

Web Development Technologies:

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), and JavaScript are core
technologies used to create and enhance web pages.

The web has become a fundamental part of modern life, enabling communication, information access, e-
commerce, social interaction, and much more. It's a global platform that has revolutionized how we share
and access information.