1.1 Introduction (reposted) - What is the Internet

Introduction and Overview

In this introductory video, the instructor provides an overview of what will be covered in the course's introductory material. The goals of this section are to give a broad view of computer networking and introduce important vocabulary.

Goals of the Introductory Material

• Provide a broad brush view of computer networking to understand the big picture.

• Introduce vocabulary that will be explored in more detail later in the course.

Topics Covered in the Introduction and Overview

• What is the internet and what is a protocol?

• Network edge, hosts, access network, and physical media.

• Network core, circuit switching, packet switching, packets, routers, switches.

• Network structure and the internet as a network of networks.

• Network performance, packet loss, delay, throughput.

• Protocol layers for decomposing complex systems like the internet.

• Service model provided by a network.

• Brief overview of network security and history.

What is the Internet?

This section explores different perspectives on what the internet is and introduces some humorous examples from popular culture.

Perspectives on What is Internet

• Different people have different views on what constitutes the internet.

• A clip from a BBC comedy highlights humorous misconceptions about its size and wireless nature.

• Children may describe it as a robot-like device that performs various tasks.

Components of the Internet

This section discusses the components that make up the internet infrastructure.

Nuts and Bolts Approach

• Taking an engineering view to understand components of the internet infrastructure.

• Starting at the edge of the network where devices connect to access it.

• Devices referred to as hosts or end systems.

• Billions of devices connected to the internet.

• Various types of devices can be connected to the internet.

Timestamps are not available for the remaining sections.

New Section

The internet of things and connected devices.

Internet of Things

• Washers, dryers, picture frames, mattresses, personal health and fitness devices, ARVR glasses, vehicles (such as Tesla), trucks, scooters, bikes, and even toasters can be connected to the internet. source

Value in Connectivity

• Connecting digital devices to the internet provides new types of use and value. Analog devices like bikes and scooters can also benefit from having a digital footprint and internet connectivity. source

Network Components

• Packet switches (routers and switches) make up the network infrastructure by forwarding data packets between each other and between hosts and devices. Communication links interconnect these components. Networks are owned and operated by different entities. source

Internet as a Network of Networks

• The internet is a network of networks where multiple networks are interconnected. Each network has its own characteristics and is owned by an entity. The sending and receiving of information among routers, switches, hosts, and end devices is controlled by protocols. source

Importance of Protocols

• Protocols govern everything that happens inside a network. They describe standard ways of doing things within the network infrastructure. The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) defines internet standards through Request for Comments (RFCs). source

New Section

Understanding the internet as both a protocol-based system and a service platform.

Internet as Protocol-Based System

• Protocols are fundamental to the functioning of the internet. They dictate how messages are exchanged between networked components such as applications, hosts, routers, switches, and links. Computer network protocols are analogous to human protocols in terms of message exchange and actions taken. source

Internet as a Service Platform

• The internet serves as a platform for implementing various applications. It provides an interface for applications to send and receive information to each other. From a service perspective, the internet's primary function is the delivery of information from one point in the network to another. source

Application Complexity

• Internet applications can be complex and sophisticated, enabling tasks like streaming movies or controlling devices through voice commands. These applications build upon the basic service infrastructure that delivers packets from one location to another. source

Focus on Information Delivery

• While internet applications are complex, this course primarily focuses on the information delivery aspects of the internet rather than the structure of distributed applications. However, some coverage will be given to application layer topics. source

New Section

Understanding internet protocols through human protocol analogies.

Human Protocols

• Human protocols involve specific messages and actions between individuals. Examples include asking for the time or following question-answer protocols in a classroom setting. source

Internet Protocols

• Internet protocols are similar to human protocols but involve networked components exchanging messages and taking actions based on those messages. They define how different entities within a network communicate with each other. source

New Section Introduction to Network Protocols

In this section, the speaker introduces the concept of network protocols and their role in communication among network entities.

What is a Network Protocol?

• A network protocol consists of two phases: connection request and request response.

• Protocols define the format and order of messages exchanged between network entities.

• They also specify the actions taken upon message transmission and receipt.

Understanding the Internet

• The speaker explains the concept of the internet, starting from its edge and working inward.

• Two technical aspects are addressed: what is the internet and what is a protocol.

The transcript does not provide additional content beyond this point.