“Computer Networking: The Backbone of the Internet”

Prakhar Srivastava — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 15:26:50 +0000

Hello again! I hope you’re all doing well. In my first blog, we explored how the Internet works. Now, we’ll turn our attention to computer networking — the critical foundation beneath the Internet.

Let's get back to the next topic.

Today, we’re going to dive into computer networking — without networking, the Internet as we know it simply wouldn’t exist.

    # What is Computer Networking? #

In simple terms, computer networking is the process of linking devices (computers, servers, smartphones) so they can exchange data and make communication and resource sharing smoother and more efficient.

[ In Technical terms, Computer networking is the practice of connecting devices—such as computers, smartphones, and servers ].

In practice, whether you’re sending an email, streaming a video, or accessing a cloud service, networking is what makes that data travel between devices.

# Why do we need Computer Networking #

[ In Technical terms, Computer networking is essential because it allows computers and other digital devices to connect and share information, resources, and services seamlessly, supporting communication, collaboration, and productivity. ]

e.g., “For example, when you print a document from your laptop to a network printer, that’s networking in action

     # What is a Protocol? #

In Simple terms, Protocols are a set of rules that work for the completion of Computer connectivity.

[ In Technical terms, A computer network is a group of devices linked together that can exchange data and share resources, like printers and files, using established rules called protocols.]

Without protocols, devices wouldn’t ‘speak the same language’ and communication would fail *
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  # How does Networking work? #
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Each device on a network has a unique address (for example, an IP address). Devices use shared rules (protocols) to talk to each other. Data is broken into packets and sent from the requester to the provider, and then the responses travel back similarly, all governed by the networking protocols.

“A packet is a small chunk of data that includes the content being sent plus information about where it’s going and how it should be handled." *
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  # Types of Network #
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LAN (Local Area Network):- Covers a small area, i.e office or home
WAN (Wide Area Network):- Connects multiple LANs expanding over a large distance, i.e. Internet
PAN & MAN(Personal Area Network & Metropolitan Area Network):- Serve smaller (personal gadgets) or larger areas.
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  # Key Components of Networking # 
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Nodes:- Any device on a network, such as a computer, phone,

Links:- The medium connecting nodes, including cables or wireless signals.

Network Interface Cards (NICs):- Hardware in each device that lets it connect to the network.

Networking Devices:- Equipment such as routers, hubs, Modems, firewalls, etc.

  # Protocols & OSI (Open System Interconnection) Model #

Protocols are kept in layers to protect & manage the complexities of Computer networking. The OSI model explains these 7 layers: Layer 1 to Layer 7.
{ E.g.: Common Protocols include TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)/IP, HTTP, FTP (File Transfer Protocol) & Wi-Fi standards}.

    # OSI Model and TCP/IP Protocol Suite #

The OSI Model is a conceptual framework that divides networking functions into 7 different layers - from physical connections to applications.

Layer 1 - Physical ( Cables, links)
Layer 2 - Data Link ( MAC addresses)
Layer 3 - Network ( IP address & routing)
Layer 4 - Transport ( TCP for data transfer)
Layer 5 - Session ( Managing connections)
Layer 6 - Presentation (data formatting)
Layer 7 - Application

Diagram for a clearer picture of the OSI model & TCP/IP suites.

In practice, the more widely used suite is the TCP/IP model (4 layers), and the OSI model is a conceptual tool *

What is IP (Internet Protocol) & Subnetting?

An IP address is like the home address of your device on a network.
It helps packets reach the correct device.

There are two types of IP addresses:

IPv4 – 32-bit address (e.g., 192.168.1.1)

IPv6 – 128-bit address (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334)

What is a Subnet? *

A subnet is a smaller network inside a larger network.
It’s like dividing a city into smaller neighbourhoods to manage traffic better.

Subnetting helps:

Improve network performance
Increase security &
Efficiently utilise IP addresses

IPv4 has limited addresses, so subnetting became a powerful technique to manage networks before IPv6 fully took over.

Small difference between the IP address & MAC Address.

An IP address works on the network level & MAC Address works on the Device Level; if the network changes, the IP address will change, but the MAC address won't.

🛑 Wrapping Up

That’s all for Blog #2!

You now understand:

What computer networking is, how networks operate, why protocols matter, and OSI layers, Types of networks, IP addressing & subnets

In upcoming blogs, we’ll dive deeper into:

IPv6, Routing (OSPF, BGP), DNS, NAT & Firewalls. Also, Practical networking using AWS (VPC, Subnets, Route Tables)

I’m still learning too — and I’m glad to have you on this journey with me.
See you soon in Blog #3!

“Feel free to drop questions or topics you’d like me to cover next in the comments.”

Ta-Ta..! 😊

"From Non-Tech to Tech: How I Finally Understood What Happens When You Type Google.com"

Prakhar Srivastava — Sat, 08 Nov 2025 10:37:57 +0000

Day 1: Demystifying the Internet - A Non-Tech Background Journey

Hello everyone! 👋 This is my first post here, and I'm excited to share my learnings from my tech journey.

Being from a non-tech background, understanding "What is the Internet & how does it work" was challenging. Thanks to my mentor @trainwithshubham, these concepts are now clearer. I'll be sharing daily insights I've learned!

🌐 What is the Internet?

Think of the internet as a global postal system - it's a massive network of connected computers worldwide that can communicate with each other.

🔑 Key Internet Jargon:

A. Servers & Clients:

Your laptop/phone is a client (requests information)
Computers storing websites are servers (serve information)
Servers live in Data Centres (like Google's and Amazon's massive server buildings)

B. Protocols (TCP/IP):

The "rules of the road" that computers follow to understand each other

C. DNS (Domain Name System):

The "phonebook of the internet" translates google.com into numerical IP addresses

🚀 How the Internet Works: The Google.com Journey

1. The Request

I open my laptop (client) and type "google.com"

2. DNS Lookup - Finding the Address

My laptop asks: "Where is google.com?" The DNS server responds with Google's IP address.

3. Local Travel - ISP & Routers

My request (with my IP + Google's IP) goes through my Internet Service Provider's routers.

4. Internet Backbone - The Highway

The request travels through fibre-optic cables under oceans and across continents.

5. Arrival at Google's Server

Google's server receives my request and prepares the homepage.

6. The Return Trip

Google's data packets find their way back to me, possibly taking different routes.

7. Display Magic

My browser reassembles all packets and displays Google.com!

💫 Conclusion

The internet is a cooperative ecosystem of devices, ISPs, routers, and servers, all following shared rules to move data at light speed. Next time you load a webpage, remember this incredible journey!

What was the most surprising thing you learned about how the internet works? Let me know! 👇

Daily learning journey continues tomorrow!

📧 Email: srivprak0106@zohomail.com

🐙 GitHub: https://github.com/Heyyprakhar1

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyyprakhar1/

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