Internet : It is a world wide “network of networks” which directs information in the subsidized form called packets. There are many different routes that these packets may possibly take from computer to computer. Has all protocols.
Web: A small part of the internet that portrays graphics, text and multi media. It uses HTTP and HTML.
Intranet: A closed off network that can not be accessed by the public. Uses the same technologies as the internet. Often used by businesses and organisations.
Extranet: A small piece of the intranet that is accessible via the internet. This available to the public.
Packet: A piece of a larger piece of information. It contains a header, the IP address of the clients and of the target server and its sequence number, a payload – the information wishing to be transmitted and a trailer, this is used for error checking.
Router: Sends packets in the general direction of its destination. This is a specialised piece of computer.
Domain Name: An easy to remember sequence of characters. This can be translated into an IP address. It is generally the top level and first level domain.
IP Address: A unique twelve digit number that is divided up into three digit with a point in between. Each three digit can be defined by a byte of information. On 32 bit operating systems the maximum IP can be 255.255.255.255.
Domain Name Server (DNS): Translates domain names into IP addresses. Constantly updates for new domain names.
Internet Registries and Registrars: Registries manage sections of IP addresses defined by countries. Registrars allow access to the distribution of these IP addresses.
ISP: Internet Service Provider. Provides internet connection.
URI: Uniform Resource Identifier. Gives a unique identifier, can either be a URN (name) or URL (location).
URN: Uniform Resource Name. Unique name of something, (can’t find its location from this).
URL: Uniform Resource Location. Unique location of something, (no name).
Client: A computer that is trying to access a network and receive information from it, eg a web page.
Server: A computer on the network that gives the client the information it requires, eg the web page.
TCP/IP: Both protocols. TCP breaks it down into packets and sends it off. IP finds where it needs to go next. They work in conjunction.
