Introduction
In this technological age, almost everyone uses the Internet. However, most people are perplexed when distinguishing between the Internet and the Intranet because the two concepts are nearly identical in terminology. Even though their terms differ by only one alphabet, they have a lot of visible distinctions in general.
Source: artofarticle
The Internet is used to connect multiple networks of computers simultaneously. Because it is a public network, anyone can use it to access the Internet. There are many users on the Internet, and it delivers an infinite amount of information to them. Intranet is a sort of Internet that is only utilized by businesses. Because it is a private network, no one else can access the Intranet. There are a restricted number of users on the Intranet, and it only offers a limited amount of information to its users.
The main distinctions between the Internet and the Intranet are discussed in this blog, which will aid in understanding the requirements of both. This will also assist us in determining which of them we require for personal and commercial purposes. Let's discuss each of them one by one:
Internet
The Internet is a worldwide network that connects millions of computers using TCP/IP protocols. Different networks, such as private, public, organizational, academic, and government, might be included. It enables users to speak with one another and share large volumes of data in various forms. Both wired and wireless internet connections are accessible. Data is sent using fiber optic cables in wired mode, whereas radio waves are wireless.
The following are some of the most important Internet applications:
Sharing of files Downloading audio and video files and software, Email sending, and receiving. Any information may be found by browsing the Internet. Using platforms, forums, and communities on social media E-commerce, bill payments, and online grocery and pharmaceutical purchases Video Conferencing, Voice Calls, and Having conversations with friends, family, and coworkers.
How does the Internet Work?
Before we get into this, let's go over some internet fundamentals:
Clients and servers are used to make the Internet operate. Because it is not directly linked to the Internet, a device such as a laptop is referred to as a client rather than a server. It is, however, connected to the Internet indirectly via an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and is recognized by an IP address, which is a series of digits. An IP address serves as the shipping address for your gadget, much like your home has a unique address that identifies it. Your ISP provides the IP address, and you may view what IP address your ISP has assigned to your system.
A server is a huge computer that serves as a repository for websites. It has an IP address as well. A data center is a location where a significant number of servers are kept. The server accepts and replies to requests sent by the client via a browser via a network (Internet).
A domain name, which symbolizes an IP address number, must access the Internet; each IP address has been allocated a domain name. IP addresses are represented by domain names like youtube.com, facebook.com, and PayPal.com. Because it is difficult to recall a long string of numbers, domain names were established. The Internet, on the other hand, does not comprehend domain names; it understands IP addresses, so when you type a domain name into your browser's search box, the Internet must look up the IP addresses for that domain name in a massive phone book known as DNS (Domain Name Server).
If you know a person's name, for example, you may look for his phone number in a phone book by searching name. The Internet uses the DNS server to determine the IP address of a domain name. ISPs or similar companies are in charge of DNS servers.
Let's look at how the Internet works now that we've covered the basics.
When you switch on your computer and input a domain name into the browser search box, the browser sends a request to the DNS server for the IP address associated with that domain name. After obtaining the IP address, the browser sends the request to the appropriate server.
The data begins to flow after the server receives the request to offer information on a certain website. The data is sent in digital format or light pulses over optical fiber connections. Because the servers are located in remote locations, the data may have to travel thousands of kilometers through an optical fiber connection before reaching your computer.
The optical fiber is linked to a router, turning light into electrical messages. An Ethernet cable is used to send these electrical impulses to your laptop. As a result, you get the information you want via the Internet, basically, a wire that links you to the server.
Furthermore, if you use wireless Internet through wifi or mobile data, the signals from the optical connection are first transported to a cell tower, where they are converted into electromagnetic waves and then sent to your cell phone.
ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) oversees the Internet-based in the United States. It is in charge of assigning IP numbers and registering domain names, among other things.
On the Internet, data transport is extremely quick. The information is sent to you from a server thousands of kilometers away when you press enter. The data is transferred in binary form (0, 1), and these zeros and ones are split into tiny packets that may be sent at fast speeds.
Also see, Message Switching in Computer Networks and Basic Networking Commands
Advantages of the internet
The Internet connects devices from all around the world to form a global network. It enables individuals to converse effortlessly from anywhere on the planet. People may quickly obtain knowledge on various topics thanks to the Internet. It keeps people up to speed on the newest news and technology from worldwide. It brings individuals together through communities, forums, and social networking sites to collaborate online. The Internet has simplified the process of selling and acquiring goods and services. People can use the Internet to showcase their talents, such as singing, dancing, sketching, etc.
Also see, Personal Area Network