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Going Online. Chapter 3a. Connectivity. Computer strength Ability of computers to communicate with each other at computer speeds Ultimate example is Internet Inter connected Net works Collection of independent networks w/ Internet host connected 24/7. Internet.
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Going Online Chapter 3a
Connectivity • Computer strength • Ability of computers to communicate with each other at computer speeds • Ultimate example is Internet • Interconnected Networks • Collection of independent networks w/ Internet host connected 24/7
Internet • Began in 1969 as APRANET project of Dept of Defense • Build a communications network for military, scientists, researchers across nation • Important stipulation – network should remain functional even if parts were down • Resulted in network with no central computer and multiple communication pathways between sites
Internet (contd) • 1990 government project ended • Today Internet is commercial • Governed by international group of volunteers • Sets standards • Coordinate global operation
Ingredients to go online • Communications channel • Connection method • Communications protocol • Communications software
Communication channels • Rated by bandwidth • Number of bits transmitted per second (bps) • Low bandwidth = narrow bandwidth • High bandwidth = broadband • Broadband is now generic term for • High–speed Internet access • Always on
Communication channels • Dialup access with POTS • Narrowband • Temporary connection • Required modem to convert • Computer digital signals • Phone line analog signals • ISP provides access to a host Internet server • 56 Kbps
Communication channels • Cable • Broadband • Available from cable TV companies • Limited to metropolitan areas • Requires cable modem • 10 Mbps
Communication channels • DSL or digital subscriber line • New broadband technology using POTS • Required DSL modem • Limited to metropolitan areas • Two speeds • Downstream rate (to client) 9 Mbps • Upstream rate (to server) 1.5 Mbps
Communications channels • Satellite • Broadband • Must have southern exposure • Problems • Latency = lag in response time of ¼ second • Weather dependence • Requires satellite dish and satellite modem • 1.5 Mbps
Communication channels • Wireless • Requires access point or a link to a wired network • Uses short-range radio waves • Wi-Fi is the umbrella for several wireless standards (IEEE 802.11) • Wireless-B (IEEE 802.11b) 11 Mbps, up to 300 ft • Wireless-A (IEEE 802.11a) 54 Mbps, up to 50 ft • Wireless-G (IEEE 802.11g) 54 Mbps, up to 300 ft
Connection methods • ISP = Internet service provider • Commercial service via dialup, cable, DSL, satellite • Each channel requires a modem • Network = Local Area network (LAN) • Network has a host Internet server • Broadband access shared by all users in network • Requires network interface card (NIC) on each PC
Communication protocols • Communication relies on protocols • Set of rules computers use to communicate with each other • Establish, maintain, terminate connection • Many different protocols • A single computer can support multiple protocols • To communicate both computers must use the same protocol
Communication protocols • Protocol of the Internet is TCP/IP • Uses an IP address to uniquely identify each user on the Internet • Four number (0-255), separated by periods • i.e. 206.28.104.10 • IP address is assigned by ISP or network
TCP/IP • Numbers are difficult to remember so TCP/IP includes DNS service • Translates domain names to IP address • Users use domain names to access Internet • i.e. www.victoriacollege.edu • Names must be registered • Charge is assessed to support Internet operations
DNS • Domain names are read from right to left • To determine IP address of www.victoriacollege.edu. • First, goes to root DNS server (.) for addresses of next level DNS server (edu) • Next, goes to edu server and retrieves address for next level DNS server (victoriacollege) • Finally, goes to victoriacollege DNS server to retrieves address for www (host PC)
Communications software • To be continued…