Physical Structure of the Internet

One component of understanding the Internet is knowledge of its physical parts. Another component is using that knowledge to address questions. Often the questions relate to the operation of and risks of use of the Internet (see pages relating to the operation of and to risks associated with the internet). This page provides "one" set of definitions for terms and answers to questions about the the structure of the Internet. An associated empty page can be used to encourage individual exploration and understanding of the Internet.

Small- or large-group discussion of the terms and questions should be used to build and clarify understanding.

Diagram created using Inspiration® by Inspiration Software, Inc.

Term `====================`	Description and Function `===============================================================================`
host
router
client
packet
transfer rate
bandwidth
backbone
domain name
fiber optic
DNS
bridge
gateway
firewall
HTML
FTP
HTTP
HTTPS
hub
IP address
IP
TCP
TCP/IP
ISDN
ISP
POP (point of presence)
NSP
NAP (network access point)
modem
network interface card
node
redundancy
switch
telnet
ssh
URL
wireless
workstation
LAN
WAN
T1, T3
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

Question =================================	Response ======================================================
Can the same machine be a client and a server?	Yes. Just as a teacher can also be a student a server could be a client. In particular, your own personal computer could be a Web server for you Web site and a client for most of your use of it.
Is a separate machine needed for each service? (e.g., Web server, mail server, FTP server, ...)	No. A single machine can perform all these services, provided
Are routers, bridges, switches, gateways, etc. the same or different?
.

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