Introduction to Internet Protocols and Network Architecture

Internet refers to a system of networks that interconnects the World in such a way that communication between people and transfer of data can take place. In the middle of this gigantic network lies Internet Protocols (IPs) and Network Architecture are in set to guarantee a positive flow of information.

Internet Protocols are hosts protocols and other standards that provides guidelines to how data is to be send, received and processed in the internet. The most basic of all protocols is the IP or Internet Protocol that offers addresses to devices and enables them to be recognized and interfaced with within the network. TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol) are solutions for sending data packets. TCP whereby a connection is made and any error checked, provides for reliable transmission, while UDP which is faster but not as reliable is typical in the transmission of video streaming or gaming.

Network Architecture is therefore the layout of a physical or conceptual design of a network as determined by the connectivity of its hardware or a system of transferring data. These include routers that control the flow of data from one network to another, and switches that control the same within a network. The architecture also consists of various forms of to poling like ‘star’, ‘mesh’ and ‘bus’, each having its own utility.

Internet Protocols and Network Architecture is a core knowledge that everyone who is in the IT industry or would like to know how the world of computers works should acquaint themselves with. They are in fact the backbone of our networked society and guarantee that data is transmitted as fast and precise as possible.