You probably connect to the internet every single day. At least once. But have you ever wondered how it actually works? What is actually happening for you to be able to check your email, run a Google search or read the news?
We take a look behind the scenes to let you know how internet access actually works. We break it down in simple terms (no technical mumbo-jumbo) so that you can know for sure what goes on when you connect to the internet either by ADSL or wirelessbroadband.
The first thing you need to know is that the internet is made up of a giant network of
interconnected computer networks. These
networks are run by service providers, governments, universities and companies
all over the world. The networks transmit data to each other creating one, big
network which allows you to send those emails, get your work done and check
Facebook.
How the internet works overall is probably
going to involve a very long, very detailed conversation. So let’s skip right ahead and take a closer
look at how your wireless broadband or ADSL connection work. How Does WiFi Work?
To understand
how WiFi works, you first need to understand that there are two different types
of wireless internet access. There’s the
wireless connection you get on your phone through mobile service providers and
then the wireless connection you connect to through a router; either at home,
work or in a public place, like a café. Ultimately, though, these work in a
very similar way.
Believe it or
not, your wireless internet connection is made possible by radio
frequencies.
To connect to
the internet, your computer or your mobile phone will pick up signals either
from a router or a mobile phone tower.
Internet Service Providers will use cabling or radio transmitters to
relay signals to a tower. Your device
will pick up a signal from the tower closest to you. This signal may have bounced off another (or
several) towers before it reaches your device or may transmit directly if you
are close enough.
Once the signal
reaches you, it will go through your modem. Modem is short for
modulator/demodoulator. Mo-dem. (Get it?)
The modem will
either modulate or demodulate the signal.
Modulating will mean that the outgoing information is transformed into
something that can be understood by the wireless network. Demodulating means
the signal is being transformed into something that can be understood by your
computer.
Who would have
thought all of this could be done in a matter of seconds?
How Does ADSL Work?
ADSL stands for
“asymmetrical digital subscriber line”. To work, it uses existing copper telephone
cables. Basically what ADSL broadband does is split your existing telephone
line into two distinct channels. One channel is used for your general voice
calls and the other is used to transmit data at a high bandwidth.
The data
connection operates at a higher frequency range than the connection needed to
make your telephone calls.
For the internet
signal to transmit to your device, it is sent between two broadband modems: one
which is stored in your house (or office or public place) and the other with
your telephone network or internet service provider. Your modem works hard to
get the most data it can to your computer. To do this, it divides the frequency
range into a number of channels. The channels are used independently and your
modem will search for the best ones to use ensuring that you can transmit the
maximum amount of data at all times.
There are pros
and cons to both wireless broadband and ADSL connections, but ultimately both offer
fast and reliable access to the internet, keeping you connected to the World
Wide Web.
This article is courtesy of Vividwireless - an Aussie based wireless broadband and 4G mobile internet provider.
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