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Today’s internet is a complex network of technologies that ensure its stable operation, security, and fast data delivery. However, most users are unaware of the importance of some of these technologies. For many, the concept of «the internet» is associated with websites, social networks, and streaming services. But behind this, there are dozens of systems and protocols whose operation remains invisible. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the key technologies without which the internet could not exist, such as DNS, BGP, and others.

What is DNS?

DNS (Domain Name System) is a system that links human-readable domain names with IP addresses, which are necessary for locating servers on the network. Every website we visit has a unique address in the form of a set of numbers, but remembering these strings is difficult. Therefore, we use domain names like google.com, which DNS automatically converts into corresponding IP addresses.

Imagine you want to visit a website. Instead of entering its IP address, you simply type the domain name into the browser. DNS acts as a «translator» between human-readable names and machine addresses, and without this technology, the internet would become extremely inconvenient and hard to navigate.

How does BGP work?

BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) is a protocol that determines how data is transferred between different autonomous systems on the internet. Autonomous systems are large networks belonging to various internet providers or large companies. BGP helps these systems exchange information about which routes are optimal for data transmission.

With BGP, internet networks can exchange information about which route is the shortest or least congested for data transfer. Without BGP, data could not be transmitted efficiently across the network, and the internet would become impossible because the information would not reach its endpoints.

Protocols and Technologies Supporting the Internet

In addition to DNS and BGP, there are other important protocols and technologies that ensure the internet’s stability:

1. IP (Internet Protocol) — The main protocol responsible for addressing and routing data across the network. IP addresses are unique to each device connected to the internet, allowing traffic to be directed correctly.
2. HTTP/HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) — A protocol used to transfer data between a server and a client (e.g., when you load a webpage). HTTPS is the encrypted version of HTTP, ensuring secure data transmission.
3. TCP/UDP (Transmission Control Protocol / User Datagram Protocol) — Protocols that ensure reliable data transfer across the network. TCP is used when the accuracy of data delivery is important, while UDP is used when speed is critical.
4. SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer / Transport Layer Security) — Technologies that ensure a secure connection between the browser and the server, preventing data leakage.

How do these technologies ensure the internet works?

All these technologies work in close collaboration. For example, when you check your internet speed, your request first goes through DNS to find the required server. Then, with the help of IP addresses, the data is transmitted via BGP routes. If you’re using a secure connection (e.g., HTTPS), SSL/TLS encrypts the data for security. All of this happens at incredibly high speeds and with minimal delays, ensuring the internet remains accessible and convenient.

Why Would the Internet Not Function Without These Technologies?

Without DNS, we would have to remember long and cumbersome IP addresses for each website. Without BGP, traffic could not be routed effectively, and the internet would become extremely unstable, with constant connection failures and packet loss. Without security protocols, data could be intercepted, compromising user privacy and security.

The internet is not just a network of websites; it is a complex system made up of many interconnected technologies. Without protocols like DNS, BGP, and others, the world of the internet would be impossible. These technologies ensure the stability, security, and speed of data transmission and make network interactions simple and convenient for users. The internet is the result of many systems working together, and understanding how they function helps to better appreciate the importance of each component in this global network.