Global connectivity and easy access to information across interconnected networks and web pages are made possible through the Internet and World Wide Web (WWW).
- Internet provides the basic infrastructure for communication.
- World Wide Web (WWW) runs on the Internet.
- Internet connects networks worldwide.
- Web allows access to information using web pages and hyperlinks.
- WWW is user-friendly and accessed through web browsers.
Internet
A global network of interconnected networks that enables computers and servers worldwide to communicate using standardized communication protocols is known as the Internet, initially developed in the 1960s by the U.S. Department of Defense to facilitate information sharing among researchers. Its key features are:
- A network of private, public, academic, business, and government networks
- Uses standardized protocols for data communication
- Supports services such as email, file transfer, forums, and databases
- Connects devices using wired, wireless, and optical technologies
Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP Model)
The Internet follows a layered architecture known as the Internet Protocol Suite, which includes:
- Application Layer: Handles user data such as URLs and web content (HTTP, HTTPS)
- Transport Layer: Ensures end-to-end communication (TCP, UDP)
- Network Layer: Responsible for routing data packets (IP)
World Wide Web (WWW)
A system of interlinked documents and resources accessed over the Internet is known as the World Wide Web (WWW), invented in 1989 by Tim Berners-Lee to simplify information sharing among scientists. Its characteristics are:
- Consists of web pages stored on web servers
- Documents are written in HTML (HyperText Markup Language)
- Uses hyperlinks to connect documents
- Accessed using web browsers
Components Required for the Web
- HTML: to format web documents
- HTTP/HTTPS: to transfer web data
- URL: to locate web resources
Internet vs World Wide Web
| Feature | Internet | World Wide Web |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Network of networks | Collection of interconnected websites |
| Purpose | Data transport and communication | Information access and sharing |
| Access | Via various devices and services | Through web browsers |
| Protocols | TCP/IP, FTP, SMTP, POP3 | HTTP, HTTPS |
| Infrastructure | Routers, switches, servers | Web servers and browsers |
| Creator | No single creator | Tim Berners-Lee |
URI and URL
- URI (Uniform Resource Identifier): Identifies a resource by name, location, or both
- URL (Uniform Resource Locator): A subset of URI that specifies the location of a resource
Structure of a URL
- Protocol: HTTP or HTTPS
- Website Name: e.g., google, geeksforgeeks
- Top-Level Domain: .com, .edu, .in
- Path: Specific resource location
Internet Governance
The Internet has no single governing authority. Its development and standardization are guided by international organizations:
- Internet Society: Promotes global Internet development
- Internet Architecture Board: Oversees Internet standards and architecture
- Internet Engineering Task Force: Develops and maintains Internet protocols
Uses of Internet and Web
- Communication: Email, video calls, social media
- Information Sharing: News, research articles, digital libraries
- Online Shopping: E-commerce platforms
- Entertainment: Streaming, gaming, music
- Education: Online courses, e-books, virtual classrooms
- Business: E-commerce, remote collaboration
- Research: Access to journals, databases, global collaboration
Issues in Internet and Web
- Privacy and Security: Hacking, phishing, identity theft
- Cyberbullying: Online harassment and abuse
- Online Addiction: Excessive use of social media and games
- Disinformation: Spread of fake or misleading information
- Digital Divide: Unequal access to Internet services
- Online Censorship: Restricted access to information
- Environmental Impact: High energy consumption and carbon emissions