How internet & Wi-Fi work: A simple breakdown
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Understanding how internet technology works can sometimes feel overwhelming; however, it’s easier to grasp when broken down into manageable chunks. Learning how the internet operates, moves and stores data is beneficial for making informed decisions when choosing an internet service provider and managing other aspects of your home internet.
Get a quick dive into the internet’s history, how it works, and what it means for you in these sections:
- What is the internet?
- Where does the internet come from?
- How does the internet work?
- How does the internet move data?
- Internet hardware and software
- The cloud
- How internet and Wi-Fi are related
- The future of internet technology
What is the internet?
Before we can answer the question, “How does the internet work?” it’s essential to first recognize the fundamentals of internet technology and what the internet is.
The internet is a system that uses encryption and decryption processes, along with binary language (i.e., ones and zeros), to break down complex data into simple, transmittable code. The three main components of the internet include:
- A connected network of servers
- Hardware and software components
- Data storage and transportation
Once you understand how these pieces fit together, it becomes much clearer how internet technology works.
Where does the internet come from?
The concept of the internet began in the 1960s with the idea of a worldwide computer network. Pioneering computer scientists envisioned a method for moving data across this network, relying on the existing telephone infrastructure.
Decades later, this vision led to the creation of the World Wide Web in 1993, making the internet accessible to the public and sparking the industries of home computers, software and internet service providers.
How does the internet work?
The internet as a network infrastructure functions by transferring data from one location to another through a global network of servers, which are off-site locations that house information from many computer networks.
While understanding this process isn’t a prerequisite for using the internet, it can provide context for how your online data is managed. In turn, this knowledge helps you make informed decisions to better navigate security issues.
How does the internet move data?
In the ‘60s and ‘70s, researchers from organizations including the U.S. Department of Defense and various universities worked on creating the most efficient ways to transfer data. A key innovation was bundling data into packets with the sender’s and receiver’s locations (i.e., IP addresses), along with the information to be transmitted.
Several methods, or protocols, were developed to transfer these data packets, and these different processes competed for authority during the “Protocol Wars.” Eventually, the system called “TCP/IP” became the standard to relay data across the internet.
How does internet hardware and software work?
Internet hardware includes the physical items involved in getting you connected, like routers and cables. Internet software, on the other hand, consists of programs and processes that work together to make the internet function. These components affect everything from your Wi-Fi connection to your upload and download speeds.
Internet hardware components
Internet hardware can be divided into three main categories: components inside your home, components outside your home and the infrastructure that connects everything.
- In your home: Internet hardware in your home includes modems, Wi-Fi routers, Wi-Fi extenders and an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) if you have fiber internet. Modems and routers are the main equipment for providing internet access and wireless signals.
- Outside your home: Servers and data centers are internet hardware located in remote places that store data from all over. They also back up your information, making it secure if something goes wrong.
- Physical infrastructure: Cables, fiber optics lines and satellites are physical parts of the internet built and maintained by internet service providers. Cable, fiber and DSL lines are usually buried underground, while satellite and fixed wireless internet equipment is mounted on roofs or poles.
Internet software components
Internet software includes the following rules and applications that help the internet function by setting up processes for moving data.
- Protocols: Protocols like TCP/IP and Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) help move data between IP addresses and load websites on your device when you are browsing the web. Every computer has its own IP address that identifies its network.
- Domain Name System (DNS): This system converts domain names into IP addresses. A domain name is the specific web address, or URL, that’s linked to a particular website.
- Internet service providers (ISPs): ISPs like Xfinity, Spectrum and others use software to manage data and internet traffic (sometimes resulting in speed throttling) across all their connected users and ensure the security of their networks.
What is the cloud?
The cloud refers to the connected servers and software that make up the internet. However, when most people talk about the cloud, they’re usually referring to cloud computing.
- What is cloud computing? Cloud computing involves storing files and data online instead of on your laptop or other devices.
- Benefits of cloud computing: Cloud computing is convenient because it frees up space on your devices and lets you access your files anywhere with internet service, all while keeping your data secure.
- Cloud computing safety: Although cloud computing might seem vulnerable, it’s actually very secure thanks to encryption (a code that makes data unreadable to unauthorized users) and monitoring to protect the stored information. Cloud computing also ensures that your data isn’t lost if something happens to the physical device where your info is saved.
Internet vs. Wi-Fi: What’s the difference?
When thinking about how the internet works, it’s also important to consider how it compares to your home internet service. A home network uses a Wi-Fi router to convert the internet into a wireless signal throughout your home. Therefore, home Wi-Fi is a local network, not a global one.
Internet connection types
There are several types of internet connections, and while they all connect to the same internet, each uses a different physical method for transmitting the signal.
- How it works: Uses fiber optic lines made of thin pieces of glass to provide multi-gig internet service, good for gaming and other online tasks.
- Internet service providers: Fiber providers include AT&T, Verizon Fios and Google Fiber.
- Locations: Large cities, suburban areas. 40% nationwide coverage.
- How it works: The internet runs through coaxial cables, offering speeds of 1 GB or more, which are good for streaming or TV and internet bundles.
- Internet service providers: Cable providers include Xfinity, Spectrum and Optimum.
- Locations: Cities, suburban and exurb (beyond suburbs, but not completely rural) communities. 83% nationwide coverage.
- How it works: Telephone lines carry internet signals, providing speeds up to 100 Mbps.
- Internet service providers: Providers include AT&T and CenturyLink. (These providers also offer fiber internet, depending on the area.)
- Locations: Smaller cities, suburban and rural areas. 52% nationwide coverage.
- How it works: Fixed wireless antennas transmit signals to 5G modems in your home, offering speeds up to 1 GB depending on the location.
- Internet service providers: 5G internet providers include T-Mobile and Verizon 5G.
- Locations: Cities, suburbs and exurbs. 78% nationwide coverage (including fixed wireless).
- How it works: Provides rural internet with signals echoed from orbiting satellites in space.
- Internet service providers: Providers include Hughesnet, Viasat and Starlink.
- Locations: Available everywhere, but primarily used in rural areas. 100% nationwide coverage.
What’s next for the future of internet technology?
The way the internet works is constantly evolving because of advancing technology. Ongoing developments in high-speed internet and home networking allow people to connect more smart devices in their homes.
Meanwhile, it’s becoming the norm to handle a variety of tasks with internet, including online learning, remote work and more. If you want to get more familiar with the digital realm, explore additional internet resources to get help with common issues. Then, search for and learn about the internet providers in your area to get the best possible connection for your home.
This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct. The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.
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