Module 1- How the web works? Flashcards
What is a Network?
A network is formed when two devices connect and communicate via a wired (like Ethernet cables) or wireless (like Wi-Fi) connection.
What’s the complication of multiple devices being connected to a network? How is it solved?
You can connect multiple devices to this network. But this becomes very complicated very quickly, as each device needs to connect to every other device to communicate effectively.
If each device needed a direct connection to every other device, it would create a chaotic and inefficient web of connections. This problem is solved by network switches.
What is a Network Switch?
A network switch is a critical piece of networking hardware that connects multiple devices (such as computers, printers, servers, and other networked devices) within a local area network (LAN) and enables them to communicate with each other efficiently.
How does a network switch work?
1) Connection and Communication:
- Each device on a network connects to a switch using network cables (in a wired network) or wirelessly (in a wireless network with a wireless access point acting as a switch).
- The switch uses MAC addresses (unique hardware addresses assigned to each network device) to identify and manage the data traffic coming from and going to each connected device.
2) Data Packet Switching:
- When a device sends data to another device on the network, the data is broken down into smaller units called packets.
- Each packet contains information about its origin and destination.
- The network switch receives these packets and reads the destination address.
- Using an internal MAC address table, the switch forwards the packet only to the specific port connected to the destination device, rather than broadcasting it to all ports.
3) Efficiency and Performance:
- By sending data only to the intended recipient, switches significantly reduce the chances of data collisions and network congestion.
- This selective forwarding of data improves the overall speed and performance of the network.
What is the internet?
The Internet is a worldwide network of networks, allowing millions of private, public, academic, business, and government networks to connect and share information. It is built on a variety of technologies and protocols that facilitate the exchange of data.
What are the key components of the Internet?
- Networks and Connections:
* Local Area Networks (LANs)
* Wide Area Networks (WANs)
* Internet Service Providers (ISPs) - Devices:
* Clients
* Servers - Protocols:
* IP (Internet Protocol)
* TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)
* HTTP/HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol / Secure) - Infrastructure:
* Routers
* Switches
* Physical cables (fiber optic and undersea cables). - DNS (Domain Name System)
Local Area Networks
Define LANs
Small, localized networks within a single building or group of buildings.
Wide Area Networks
Define WANs
Larger networks that cover broader geographical areas, connecting multiple LANs.
Internet Service Providers
What are ISPs?
Companies that provide Internet access to users and organizations.
What is the role of clients and servers on the Internet?
- Clients: These are end-user devices that access Internet services, such as computers, smartphones, and tablets.
- Servers: These are powerful computers that store, process, and deliver data to clients. They host websites, store data, and provide services like email and streaming.
What are the main Internet protocols, and what do they do?
- IP (Internet Protocol): Governs how data is sent and received on the Internet, ensuring each device has a unique IP address.
- TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): Ensures data packets are sent and received accurately and in the correct order.
- HTTP/HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol / Secure): Used for transferring web pages securely.
How does the infrastructure of the Internet support data transmission?
- Routers: Direct data packets between networks, ensuring they reach the correct destination.
- Switches: Connect multiple devices within a network, managing data flow.
- Cables: Include fiber optic cables and undersea cables that transmit data over long distances, forming the backbone of global connectivity.
What is the DNS (Domain Name System), and why is it important?
The DNS translates human-readable domain names (like www.google.com) into IP addresses that computers can understand. This system allows users to access websites using easy-to-remember names instead of numerical IP addresses.
How do devices connect to the Internet?
Devices connect to the Internet through ISPs using either wired connections (like Ethernet or fiber optic cables) or wireless connections (like Wi-Fi). The ISP provides access to the broader Internet infrastructure.
How is data transmitted over the Internet?
Data is broken into small packets, each containing information about its origin, destination, and part of the data being transmitted. Routers direct these packets along the most efficient paths to their destination, where they are reassembled into the original data.
How does a web browser retrieve a web page?
- DNS Request: The browser sends a request to a DNS server to get the IP address of the website.
- Server Request: The browser sends a request to the server at that IP address.
- Data Transmission: The server processes the request and sends back the data (HTML, images, etc.).
- Page Rendering: The browser assembles and displays the web page.
What is the Client-Server Model?
The client-server model is a network architecture where client devices or programs request services, resources, or data from server devices or programs, which provide those services, resources, or data.
What are the key components of the client-server model?
- Client: A device or program that initiates requests for services or resources.
- Server: A device or program that provides services or resources in response to client requests.
How does a typical interaction between a client and a server occur?
-
Client Requests: The client sends a request to the server for a specific service or data.
Example: A web browser requests a web page by sending an HTTP request to a web server. -
Server Responds: The server processes the request and sends back the appropriate response.
Example: The web server processes the request, retrieves the web page data, and sends it back to the browser as an HTTP response. -
Client Processes: The client receives and processes the response.
Example: The browser receives the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files from the server and renders the web page.
What are the main characteristics of the client-server model?
- Centralization: Servers centralize resources and services.
- Separation of Roles: Clients initiate requests; servers handle and respond to them.
- Scalability: Servers can be upgraded or added to handle more clients.
- Resource Management: Servers efficiently manage resources and provide controlled access.
What are some real-life examples of the client-server model?
1) Web Browsing:
- Client: Web browser
- Server: Web server
- Interaction: The browser requests a web page, and the server sends back the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files.
2) Email:
- Client: Email client (Outlook, Gmail)
- Server: Email server (SMTP for sending, IMAP/POP3 for receiving)
- Interaction: The client sends an email to the SMTP server and retrieves emails from the IMAP/POP3 server.
3) Online Gaming:
- Client: Game application on a user’s device
- Server: Game server managing game state and interactions
- Interaction: The game client sends actions to the server, which updates the game state and sends updates to clients.
What challenges does the client-server model face?
- Single Point of Failure: Server downtime can affect all connected clients.
- Scalability Limits: Scaling servers to handle growing client numbers can be challenging and costly.
- Network Dependency: Relies on reliable network connections and sufficient bandwidth.
What happens if a server in the client-server model goes down?
If a server goes down, all clients depending on that server for services or data will be affected, leading to potential downtime and loss of access to the required services or resources.
What role do protocols play in the client-server model?
Protocols define the rules and standards for communication between clients and servers. Common protocols include HTTP for web traffic, SMTP for sending emails, and FTP for file transfers. These protocols ensure that data is transmitted accurately and efficiently.
How does the client-server model ensure security?
By centralizing data and services on servers, it is easier to implement security measures such as firewalls, encryption, and access controls. Servers can be closely monitored and managed to protect against unauthorized access and data breaches.
What is the importance of IP addresses in the client-server model?
IP addresses uniquely identify each device on the Internet, allowing clients to find and communicate with servers. The Domain Name System (DNS) translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses, facilitating the connection process.
What are undersea cables, and how do they relate to the client-server model?
Undersea cables are large cables laid on the ocean floor that connect different continents, enabling high-speed data transmission. They are part of the global infrastructure that allows servers and clients worldwide to communicate efficiently, supporting the interconnected nature of the Internet.
Why is it called a server?
It is called a server because it serves or provides resources and services to other computers (clients).
Where are servers typically stored?
Servers are typically stored in facilities known as data centers.
What are data centers?
Data centers are facilities that house hundreds or thousands of servers, each running different services and connected to the internet.
What systems are in place in data centers to ensure continuous operation of servers?
Data centers have systems to ensure:
- Continuous power supply (using redundant power systems, backup generators, and uninterruptible power supplies)
- Continuous internet connection (with multiple internet connections and network redundancies)
- Effective cooling systems to keep the servers cool 24/7
Why are data centers globally distributed?
Global distribution reduces latency, allowing users to access content quickly from the nearest data center. This is achieved through content delivery network (CDN) optimization.
How are data center servers built?
Servers in data centers are built based on their specific service purposes.
Can you give an example of a purpose-specific server?
Yes, for example:
- A server for storing images would have a lot of hard drive space.
- A server for computing complex calculations would need a fast processor and a lot of memory.