Computer Scientist Explains the Internet in 5 Levels of Difficulty | WIRED

WIRED・2 minutes read

The internet is a complex network allowing for communication between computers using protocols like TCP and IP, with various applications running on it. Global internet governance remains decentralized, while Edge Computing focuses on low latency and close computation integration for future networking research.

Insights

  • The internet, functioning as a network of networks, relies on protocols like TCP and IP to govern communication rules, with routing determining the path of information flow.
  • Edge Computing, merging wireless communication, networking, and cloud computing, prioritizes low latency and integrated computation, marking a significant area for future networking research as the internet evolves towards a flatter structure.

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Recent questions

  • What is the main function of the internet?

    The internet serves as a network for transmitting information between computers, enabling various applications like video streaming and communication.

  • How do computers communicate on the internet?

    Computers communicate on the internet through protocols like TCP and IP, which govern the rules of communication and ensure data is transmitted accurately.

  • What connects local networks to larger networks physically?

    Ethernet cables facilitate the physical connection between local networks and larger networks, allowing for seamless communication and data transfer.

  • How do undersea cables contribute to global internet connectivity?

    Undersea cables connect different continents, enabling global internet connectivity by transmitting data across vast distances under the ocean.

  • What is the role of DNS in internet communication?

    DNS translates domain names to IP addresses, facilitating internet communication by ensuring that devices can locate and connect to each other on the network.

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Summary

00:00

Global network enables diverse applications and communication.

  • The internet is a network of networks, allowing for various applications to be built on it.
  • Computers communicate through the internet, enabling diverse applications like video streaming.
  • The internet functions as a network for transmitting information between computers.
  • Routing determines the path information takes through the internet.
  • Protocols, like TCP and IP, govern communication rules on the internet.
  • The internet is a single interconnected system with numerous applications running on it.
  • The physical connection between local networks and larger networks is facilitated by Ethernet cables.
  • Undersea cables connect different continents, enabling global internet connectivity.
  • Wi-Fi allows wireless communication between devices and routers.
  • DNS translates domain names to IP addresses, facilitating internet communication.

15:33

IoT data research and networking evolution.

  • IoT devices produce a significant amount of data, often centralized by companies, but hold immense research value.
  • Research projects can utilize data from distributed sensor devices to analyze various impacts, like traffic noise levels near schools.
  • Software-defined networking (SDN) emerged to control network behavior through software, departing from traditional protocols.
  • SDN currently operates within specific networks or campuses, but the internet is gradually flattening, reducing the number of networks traversed.
  • Global internet governance remains decentralized, with countries imposing individual regulations and firewalls.
  • The convergence of wireless communication, networking, and cloud computing in Edge Computing is a key focus for future networking research, emphasizing low latency and close computation integration.
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