In today’s digital age, computer networks are very important in daily life. Almost all aspects of modern life, such as communication, education, and business, rely on networks to connect devices, share information, and support various online activities.
This Bardimin article aims to help you understand the basic concepts of computer networks and their applications, ranging from TCP/IP protocols, and DNS, to different types of internet connections such as Wi-Fi and wired connections. By understanding these basic things, it is hoped that readers can become more familiar with how networks work and maximize their use in daily needs.
How does the Internet work?
The Internet is a global network that connects millions of devices around the world, allowing for the rapid and efficient exchange of information. This technology sends data in the form of small packets through various communication channels to the intended address. The Internet uses a communication protocol known as TCP/IP to regulate the transmission and reception of data between connected devices.
In this system, TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) breaks down data into small packets for transmission, while IP (Internet Protocol) ensures each packet reaches the correct address. In addition, DNS (Domain Name System) plays an important role by translating domain names, such as contoh.com, into IP addresses that are necessary for devices to communicate with each other so that users can access websites without having to remember complicated IP addresses.
There are several main ways to connect your device to the Internet, each with its advantages. Dial-up uses telephone lines for Internet access, although their speed is limited, they are still used in rural areas. Wired connections are faster and more stable, usually used in small homes or offices. DSL also uses telephone lines, allowing the use of the phone when connected to the Internet, with better speeds than dial-up. Finally, Wi-Fi allows wireless connections as long as they are within range of the signal.
Internet Technical Terms
TCP/IP
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) is a set of rules that govern how devices such as computers, routers, and modems connect and communicate. This protocol divides the data into small packets for delivery, so that the data can be sent through various paths to the final destination.
Each packet has an origin and destination address, so when the packets arrive, they can be rearranged in the correct order. In this way, TCP/IP ensures that communication between devices runs efficiently and precisely. This protocol also includes various other protocols, such as UDP, PPP, and FTP, that support different types of communication on the Internet.
Subnet Mask
A Subnet Mask is the number used to configure the host in dividing the network into smaller sub-networks. This helps manage data traffic more efficiently.
For example, on a class C network, the most commonly used subnet mask is 255.255.255.0, which allows the network to be divided into multiple subnets without the need for additional physical routers. In a business environment, subnet masks help separate data traffic into physically isolated networks to improve the performance and security of access to local devices and servers.