What is the internet? The Internet is an extensive network that connects computers in the world. Through the internet, people can communicate and share information no matter where they are. The internet is based on three significant technologies, which include;
- Client/ Server Computing
Client/ Server computing happens when the client’s computer connects with one or more server computers in a network. As a result, a client can request a resource from the server. Clients and servers also communicate through a computer network. This happens when the server hosts several programs to share with the clients. Therefore, it is the client who initiates a conversation with the server.
The client-server model operates in a request-response messaging pattern. It should follow the set standard communication protocol. There are rules, dialog patterns, and language to follow when requesting a server’s service. Some major applications that use client-server interfaces include World Wide Web, Email, and network printing.
Besides, in client-server computing, the server can only host a limited number of users at a time. As a result, the server can only respond to some clients each time.
Types of Client-Server Computing
- One-Tier Architecture
It involves placing all the components required for a software application in a single server. As a result, all the application’s elements such as interface, back-end data, and Middleware are in one place. Therefore, it is direct and straightforward to use a one-tier interface.
- Two-Tier Architecture
The two-tier architecture consists of the server, client, and the protocol. This interlinks the two. The domain logic is on the server host while the Graphical User Interface (GUI) code resides on the client’s host. The GUI comes in languages such as Java and C++.
- Three-Tier Interface
It has three tiers, which are the presentation tier, application tier, and data tier. A prominent example of a three-tier interface is Microsoft MySQL Server. It has a protocol layer, a relational engine, and a storage engine.
The presentation or user tier is the user interface layer where multiple views of a database can be made available by the application. The application tier is the service layer that does detailed processing. It sits at the middle of the system and acts as the mediator between the database and the end-user. Finally, the data tier carries the database server that keeps information.
- N-Tier
N-tier can be open or closed. In a closed N-tier interface, a layer can only communicate with the next layer down. Within an open one, a layer can communicate with any layer under it.
The interface separates an application into two, that is the logical layers and physical tiers. The logical layer controls dependency and separates responsibilities in an application. The physical tier adds a delay of data from additional network communication. It also promotes scalability.
- Packet Switching
Packet switching involves grouping of data into blocks known as packets. It routes them through a network using a destination address in each packet. It allows many users to share the same path in a network. Also each packet can take a different route to its destination. Besides, it is a connectionless network.
The Process of Packet Switching
Each pocket in a packet switching technique contains a header, payload, and a footer. The header carries two network addresses of the packet. One for the host (sender) and the second for the receiver. The intermediate routers use them to direct the packet to its correct destination. On the other hand, the payload contains the actual data.
When does a packet get transmitted? When a packet is available in a node, it is sent depending on its header information. Also, the packets of a particular message are not routed on the same path. Therefore, an order takes place for the packets in a message to reach the destination. It is the work of the destination to reorder the packets.
Besides, the packet may contain additional information such as;
- Error handling- Packets carry parity bits or checksum to detect any error during the transmission process.
- Hop counts- this is where a packet gets ‘time to live’ information. The value of the hop counts continues to decrease as the packet passes through the network node. The system discards the packet when the hop counts reach zero. This repeats when the packet fails to reach the destination. ‘Time to live’ helps to avoid congestion in a network with faulty packets that may lead to failure.
- Priority- priority helps to transmit packets in a particular order. Once a network incorporates a QoS (Quality of Service), packets queue in a specific order.
- Length- some packets contain the length field. It indicates the quantity of the packet.
- TCP/IP Connectivity
TCP/IP stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. It was invented in the early 1970s. It supported the U.S. Department of Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA). The department helped scientists transmit data to different computers in distant places in the world.
TCP/IP is a global set of methods that governs how to break and group digital messages into packets. It routes them into the right addresses. After routing it reassembles them into coherent messages. The IP contains the address to which the data is sent, while the TCP caters for the data delivery.
A TCP/IP divides different communication tasks into layers. Each layer has its functions to cater for. The data passes through various layers before reaching its destination. Once the data is delivered, TCP/IP goes through the layers in reserve. it does this in order to reassemble the data and give it to the recipient.
The Four Layers of the TCP/IP Model
- Datalink Layer
It is also referred to as the physical/link/network interface layer. It handles the physical parts of sending and receiving data. This is through a wireless network, device driver, or internet channel.
- Internet Layer
The Internet layer or the network layer manages packets’ movement. The packets move from one point of the internet to another.
- Transport Layer
It gives reliable data connection between two devices. The transport layer breaks the data into packets. It then recognizes its packet from the other devices. Also, it ensures that the other device has acknowledged the packet it receives.
- Application Layer
The application layer is the group of applications that need network communication. It is what the user interacts with, for example, email and messaging.
The three technologies which the internet is based on are crucial for every network. They work together to offer smooth communication processes. The server and the user are able to reach each other well. Thus make sure your network hosts the three technologies in the best suitable manner.
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