My Networking Learning Journey 2: The Basics

What is the Internet and Who Owns It?

The Internet is a vast network of interconnected computers and various other devices. These devices communicate and interact with each other primarily to exchange information. As a result, the Internet isn't owned by any single entity because it's a global network of interconnected devices communicating using established standards and protocols. It's more accurate to think of the Internet as a collaborative system maintained by numerous organizations, companies, and governments worldwide.

Types of Local Networks

There are different types of local networks:

• Small home networks - Home networks where several devices can be connected to each other and to the Internet

• Small office/home office - Also known as SOHO networks, these are used in small offices or for connecting from home to work, allowing access to corporate networks and providing access to shared documents, folders, and services

• Medium to large networks - Used, for example, in schools or corporations, allowing many computers and devices to connect across multiple locations

• World Wide Web - A network of networks - the Internet. Billions of computers connected worldwide

Beyond Computers and Laptops

Beyond computers and laptops, a wide range of devices now connect to the Internet, including:

• Mobile devices such as tablets, smartphones, smartwatches, and interactive glasses

• Home appliances like security systems, smart home systems, IoT devices - washing machines, refrigerators, etc.

• Modern televisions (Smart TVs) and gaming consoles

• Smart cars and vehicles

• RFID systems

• Various sensors such as temperature sensors, humidity monitors, etc.

• Medical devices like diabetic sensors and monitors

Data Transmission

There are three main types of data transmitted to the Internet:

• Voluntary data - Data we deliberately place online - uploading photos to social media profiles, posting files, publishing blog posts, etc. We understand this data is being collected and stored, and we consciously agree to this.

• Inferred data - Data that not everyone is always aware is being collected and stored. This is data generated by our activities. A good example is our credit card activity - when we pay in different places, this data is gathered and can be used to track our habits, preferences, shopping choices, etc.

• Observed data - A good example would be location sharing enabled on a phone, which means our location is also collected and stored

What is a Bit?

A bit is the smallest unit of information in IT and essentially the only data format understood by computers. The term "bit" is short for "binary digit," and that's exactly what it means - a unit of data that can have one of two states: 0 or 1. This can be transmitted or stored in various forms - electrical signals, waves, etc., but it always comes down to a value of 0 or 1.

All data on computers and the Internet is transmitted using bits. For example, letters and special characters are represented using bits. According to the American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII), each character consists of, or is represented by, 8 bits. For example:

D - 01000100
E - 01000101
V - 01010110
O - 01001111
P - 01010000
S - 01010011

This allows virtually any type of data to be stored using zeros and ones.

Methods of Data Transmission

Once data is converted into bits represented by zeros and ones, it must be sent to its destination. For this purpose, three main media are used - electrical cables, fiber optic cables, or electromagnetic waves through the air. The transmitted information may be converted multiple times back and forth (from electrical signals to light pulses, from pulses to electromagnetic waves, and from waves back to electrical signals, etc.) depending on how the medium through which the data is traveling changes.

There are three common methods of signal transmission used in networks:

• Electrical signals - Data is transmitted as electrical pulses traveling through copper wires. This is commonly used in Ethernet cables and older telephone lines.

• Optical signals - Data is transmitted as pulses of light traveling through thin strands of glass or plastic fiber optic cables. This method allows for much faster transmission speeds and longer distances without signal degradation.

• Wireless signals - Data is transmitted through the air using various portions of the electromagnetic spectrum, including radio waves, microwaves, and infrared light. This method is used in Wi-Fi networks, cellular communications, and satellite transmissions.

More Than Just a Network

The Internet is more than just a collection of connected devices—it's the foundation of modern communication, business, and daily life. Understanding how it works, from local networks to global data transmission, is essential for anyone in tech. While we've covered the basics, this is just the beginning. In the next parts of my learning journey, I'll dive deeper into networking concepts, protocols, and real-world applications. Stay tuned for more insights as I continue exploring the backbone of our digital world!