Hello again! As we read about the Internet, a term comes up again and again TCP/IP. Excuse me what is this?....
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol is the language of the Internet. Via this protocol data is compressed and decompressed as it is transferred. Info is sent in bit and pieces known as stacks. In the BBS Network FidoNet bits of info create what are called packets. This is just a comparision.
Just as with protocols of regulare File Transfers, simarily TCP/IP works. With regular trnasfers say via Zmodem, bit of data are sent and the next is sent once the OK is seen. I have read it referred to as one guy saying to the other "Okay send some data" or "Wait a minute, can your resend that last one?".
Similar is the case here. A series of commnads are sent io what is called service primitives. These will allow the OPENing of the transmissions as well as the SENDing of data. Each packet contains a header address. Such is also the case in the aforementioned FidoNet Network, where the packets have addresses of where the data is coming from and going to.
As you can see, the information is broken down for better understanding, such as when Modem transferss only will let you hear noise if you pick up an phone handset during one, but actually data is being send and translated into readable form.
The Internet Protocal assists with the breakdown at the TCP has begun. It is like, "OK, I have done my part, now it's your turn - TCP speaking to IP". IP does the subnetwork breakdown. This assist in getting the data to it's ultimate destination. As I have spoken to fellow BBS SysOps desiring to get an Internet Connection, the conclusion come to is that one of these final destionations can be Ethernet (another connection box, again, I'm no techie) that would allow the data to pass to a local area network or computers that are connected together (clients) that share data from one computer or storage device (server). The other Final destinaion my just be the final transfer over the phone line to the (in our example) the BBS hooked up to the Internet Provider (Service giving the Internet Connection, the BBS will most like being using a Service Provider to get their Data, which will in most cases be UseNet NewsGroups). This special Connection can use other protocols such as SLIP (Serial Line,trying to remember) and PPP (Point to Point).
Well this wraps up this lesson on TCP/IP there is some much more! Feel free to join in and add correct,( yes correct!).
Hoping your CyberTravels are Good Ones!
Where can you find something HUMORUS on the Information Superhighway? Answer.
FTP: FTP to grind.isca.uiowa.edu and to the Directory image/gif/humor
Get a wealth of humorous images!