Week One

According to the notes, the definition of the Internet, is - a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to serve billions of users worldwide.

I have learnt that most of the data communication takes place by transmitting packets of information from networks to networks. And in order for these network to work together, there must be a common protocol or a set of rules for transmitting and receiving these packets of data.

The OSI Model and TCP/IP Protocol are hierarchical models that explains how network devices and their specific applications has to follow protocols- which are a set of rules, in order to communicate with each other. Some examples of protocols learnt during the class are TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP and NNTP. Basically, the OSI Model has 7 layers, beginning with the 'Physical' layer, which defines the physical characteristics of the hardware. Abel shared with the class that it is important to take note of 'standardisation' in this layer. For instance, having a standardised plug or cable. The second layer is the 'Data link' layer, which highlights the importance of point to point data sending and receiving by unpacking and packing the data in frames. The third layer is the 'Network' layer, it handles packet routing from network to network. The fourth layer is 'Transport', it provides end-to-end delivery of data between two nodes and it divides data into packets before transmitting it. These packets will be reassembled eventually as the whole purpose of splitting it into packets is because of the (big) size of the data. The fifth layer, 'Session', highlights the importance of transaction integrity. The example given in class was on online shopping. If we ordered and paid for three goods, we have to make sure that there is a successful transaction and we receive three. Data conversation takes place in the sixth layer- 'Presentation'. The data that it receives from the application layer is converted into a suitable format that is recognised by the computer. For example, the conversion of a file from .wav to .mp3. Another example that Abel talked about was presentation in terms of font size and etc. The last layer is the 'Application' layer, it provides a user interface by interacting with the running application.

After studying this model, I realised that like any other systems (even our own body systems), the OSI Model and TCP/IP Protocol, all follow a certain set of rules to function well. Though it might be confusing initially, this model has made it better for people to understand the logic behind how the internet, specifically the computer networks, works. Also, like how humans communicate through a network - person to person, computers have their networks to communicate too. And with hyper connectivity, today, there is also person to machine communication.

I will end this post with my hopes for the future of the web. As what Abel highlighted, I do agree that there is more to expect of this technology. Today, google search engine may be useful, but it is NOT smart. The challenge now is to make the web understand meaning, it has to be more intelligent.



P.S Is this even the correct way to do this assignment? SO LOST. :(