Chapter 10. THE INTERNET

THE INTERNET

THIS CHAPTER examines the Internet in more detail to explain how it works and why it is a network of networks. This chapter also examines Internet access technologies, such as DSL and cable modem, as well as the possible future of the Internet in the form of Internet 2.

OBJECTIVES

  • Understand the overall design of the Internet

  • Be familiar with DSL, cable modem, and Wireless

  • Be familiar with Internet 2

CHAPTER OUTLINE

INTRODUCTION

HOW THE INTERNETWORKS

  • Basic Architecture

  • Connecting to an ISP

  • The Internet Today

INTERNET ACCESS TECHNOLOGIES

  • DSL

  • Cable Modems

  • Fixed Wireless

  • Mobile Wireless

  • Future Technologies

INTERNET GOVERNANCE

INTERNET2

IMPLICATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT

SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

The Internet is the most used network in the world, but it is also one of the least understood. There is no one network that is the Internet. Instead, the Internet is a network of networks—a set of separate and distinct networks operated by various national and state government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit corporations. The Internet exists only to the extent that these thousands of separate networks agree to use Internet protocols and to exchange data packets among one another.

The Internet is simultaneously a strict, rigidly controlled club in which deviance from the rules is not tolerated and a freewheeling, open marketplace of ideas. All networks that connect to the Internet ...

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