To sail data across the Web, computers seek the best routes
Article Abstract:
The Internet is dependent on computers knowing where to send discreet packets of information. This task is made possible through the use of Internet Protocols, or I.P's., every computer connected to a network has an I.P. address. This address generally has four sets of digits separated by periods. It is this address that allows computers to find each other across the myriad connections that make up the modern Internet. To transmit information across the Internet, computers break up information into discreet packages, each packet of information is assigned an address when it leaves a computer. This address includes the I.P of the computer sending the information and the computer receiving it, along with some information on the type of data being sent. Routers, specialized computers designed to send data over networks, use these addresses to direct the packets of information to their intended destination. Routers are divided up into two classes, simple and high-level. Simple routers are generally used by medium to small sized businesses, and they simply transfers packets of information to larger high-level routers. High-level routers, generally operated by telecommunications companies, know the path to every other high-level router connected to the Internet. Theses high-level routers in turn know the address of every local network attached to it and can direct the packets of information to the correct local network, which in turn can send that information to the computer on your desktop. All of this is made possible because of the numerical address assigned to each packet of information.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
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Linking the computer and the world, the clever modem
Article Abstract:
Modems manage communication between digital-based computers and audio-based telephone lines. These hard-working modems (MOdulator/DEModulator) are designed to convert single binary digits from computers into analog signals that can travel over a telephone line, then reverse the process. The modem's development has resulted in less expensive and more convenient communication that now includes the Internet. Designers continue to produce faster modems by combining more bits into the tonal range of around 300Hz to 3,300Hz suitable for most human conversations. A key breakthrough took place when designers began transmitting several tones simultaneously. The discovery resulted in 1,200-baud modems that reached a wide audience in the early 1980s. By comparison, modems in the late 1960s and early 1970s operated at 110 baud and 300 baud respectively. Today's fastest modems offer speeds of 33.6Kbps and 56Kbps.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
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Fresh from your browser's oven
Article Abstract:
World Wide Web sites set cookies on users computers to track return visits. Web browsers generally do this without users being aware of it, but can be set to alert users or accept cookies from specific sites. Generally, cookies are unique identifying numbers issued by Web site servers and stored on a user's harddrive. Most have an expiration date. Typically, they allow users to access sites without typing in their name or password on a return visit. They shouldn't contain sensitive information such as credit card numbers or bank account information. On shopping sites, cookies track what is in a users 'shopping cart.'
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1999
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