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How The Internet Works Step by Step

The document explains the step-by-step process of how the Internet works, starting from the browser checking the cache to establish a connection through DNS lookup and TCP/IP handshake. It details how requests are sent to the server, the server processes these requests, and the browser renders the web page. Additionally, it covers ongoing interactions and communications with the server using technologies like AJAX and WebSockets.

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22 views2 pages

How The Internet Works Step by Step

The document explains the step-by-step process of how the Internet works, starting from the browser checking the cache to establish a connection through DNS lookup and TCP/IP handshake. It details how requests are sent to the server, the server processes these requests, and the browser renders the web page. Additionally, it covers ongoing interactions and communications with the server using technologies like AJAX and WebSockets.

Uploaded by

ckazici16
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

How the Internet Works – Step-by-Step

(Detailed Explanation)
1. Your Browser Checks the Cache (Local Memory)
First, your browser checks whether you’ve visited the site before. If yes, it might already
have some files saved locally (like images or styles), which can make the site load faster.

This is called caching.

2. DNS Lookup (Converting Name to IP Address)


The browser doesn’t understand 'example.com' directly. It needs the IP address (e.g.,
93.184.216.34) of the server that hosts the site. It asks the DNS (Domain Name System) to
convert the domain name into an IP address.

DNS is like the Internet’s phonebook.

It checks:
- Browser cache
- OS cache
- Router cache
- ISP’s DNS server
- Then up to Root DNS Servers if needed.

3. Establishing a Connection (TCP/IP Handshake)


Your computer needs to talk to the server. It uses TCP (Transmission Control Protocol),
starting with a 3-way handshake:
1. SYN – Your computer: 'Can we talk?'
2. SYN-ACK – Server: 'Yes, I’m here.'
3. ACK – Your computer: 'Great, let’s begin.'

If HTTPS is used, a TLS/SSL handshake also happens to encrypt the connection.

4. Sending the Request (HTTP/HTTPS Protocol)


Once connected, your browser sends a request like:
GET /index.html HTTP/1.1
Host: www.example.com

This is an HTTP request asking the server for the home page.

If it’s HTTPS, this request is encrypted.


5. Server Processes the Request
The server receives your request, checks if the file exists, and may talk to a database to fetch
content.

6. Server Sends Back Data (HTTP Response)


The server sends an HTTP response back with:
- Status code (200 OK, 404 Not Found, etc.)
- HTML, CSS, JavaScript, images

The response might look like:


HTTP/1.1 200 OK
Content-Type: text/html
Content-Length: 1747

7. Your Browser Renders the Page


The browser:
- Parses HTML
- Applies CSS
- Runs JavaScript
- Loads images, fonts, etc.

This process is called rendering.

8. Additional Requests (Loading More Stuff)


The site might need more files (images, ads, analytics, etc.) which means more requests to
different servers.

9. You Interact with the Site


Now that it’s loaded, you can click, scroll, or type. Your browser may send more POST
requests (e.g., to log in or send messages).

10. Continuous Communication (Optional)


Some sites stay connected to servers using:
- WebSockets (for chats/games)
- AJAX (to load without refreshing)
- APIs (e.g., weather or maps)

Summary Diagram (Text Format)


You → Browser → DNS Lookup → TCP/IP Handshake → HTTPS Request
→ Server → Response → HTML + CSS + JS → Browser Renders
→ You Interact → New Requests (AJAX/WebSockets etc.)

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