Understanding the Internet: from now to the future

Transformed from a military experiment into the backbone of modern communication and information exchange, the Internet is one of the wonders of the 20th century. Born out of the need for a resilient, decentralized communications system, it has become a global network that connects billions of devices and people and is used to share a wide range of content, from dubious dance moves to malware and encrypted information.

Do you know how the internet works? If you're curious about it and want to know what comes with the new digital era, this article is for you!

What is the Internet?

The Internet is a vast network of interconnected computers and devices that communicate with each other using standardized protocols. It facilitates the exchange of information and services globally, making it a crucial part of modern life. At its core, the Internet is a combination of hardware and software systems, including servers, routers, and various communication infrastructures like fiber optic cables, satellites, and wireless networks.

What Does "WWW" Mean?

"WWW" stands for World Wide Web. It is a system of interlinked hypertext documents and multimedia content that can be accessed via the Internet using web browsers. The WWW was invented by Tim Berners-Lee in 1989 and revolutionized how information is shared and accessed online. It allows users to navigate through web pages using links, making the vast amounts of information on the Internet easily accessible and interconnected.

How Does the Internet Work?

The Internet operates on a layered architecture, primarily based on the TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) model. Here's a simplified explanation of how it works:

Data Transmission: Information is broken down into small digital packets that are sent over the network. Each packet contains the data payload, sender's and receiver's IP addresses, and sequencing information to reassemble the data correctly at the destination.

Routing: Routers direct packets through the most efficient paths available in the network, dynamically adjusting to avoid congestion and ensure data reaches its destination promptly. They use a routing table to determine the next hop (the next router or destination device) for the packet.

Protocols: Various protocols handle specific tasks. For example, the famous HTTP/HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol/Secure) governs how web browsers and servers communicate. SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) handles email transmission, and FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is used for transferring files.

Domain Name System (DNS): An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique identifier assigned to each device connected to a network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. They serve two main purposes: identifying the host or network interface, and providing the location of the host in the network, enabling the routing of data. DNS translates human-readable domain names (like www.example.com) into IP addresses.

Infrastructure: The physical infrastructure includes servers that host websites and services, data centers that store vast amounts of information, and cables that transmit data globally. This global network of connections is made possible through a combination of terrestrial fiber optic cables and undersea giant cables that cross oceans, connecting continents and ensuring seamless international data transfer. Wireless technologies like Wi-Fi and cellular networks connect mobile devices to the Internet in a small local area.

Surface, Deep and Dark Web

To understand the concepts of Deep and Dark web, first you need to imagine an ocean. The Surface Web is all the public content that indexers, like Google and Yahoo can "catch" - the information is public and available for literally everyone with access to the internet. It's the surface of the "ocean web".

Beyond the surface web, which is indexed by search engines and easily accessible, lies the Deep Web. The Deep Web consists of non-indexed content, such as private databases, academic journals, and subscription-only websites. It is a legitimate and essential part of the Internet, containing valuable information not intended for public consumption. Most of the information on the internet in in the Deep Web and consumed in a daily basis by everyone online.

The Dark Web, a subset of the Deep Web, is deliberately hidden and accessible only through specific software like Tor (The Onion Router). It is often associated with illegal activities due to its anonymity and encrypted communication channels, but it also serves as a refuge for whistleblowers, political activists, and others seeking privacy and freedom from surveillance. If you're thinking that it's a good idea to explore the freedom of Dark Web, be careful: it's a really dangerous way to use the internet and it's only recommended for those who have advanced technical skills to avoid attacks or scams.

The Future of the Internet: Web 4.0

As of now, we are primarily in the Web 2.0 and Web 3.0, with elements of Web 4.0 beginning to emerge. The web today is characterized by dynamic and interactive content, widespread use of social media, and the early adoption of AI, blockchain, and IoT technologies.

As we move towards the next evolutionary phase of the Internet, Web 4.0, several transformative technologies and concepts are expected to redefine how we interact with digital content and services.

Here are some key aspects to anticipate:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): Web 4.0 will heavily integrate AI and ML, making the web more intuitive and responsive. Intelligent agents and bots will understand user preferences and behaviors, offering personalized experiences and automating complex tasks. However, security concerns regarding the use of deepfake to spread bullying or fake news, as well as sophisticated social engineering and phishing scams must be addressed in record time.

Internet of Things (IoT): An expanding network of interconnected devices, ranging from household appliances to industrial machinery, will communicate and collaborate in real-time. This will enhance automation, improve efficiency, and provide richer data insights. Once again, the biggest obstacle to a wide adoption of IoT technology is security: the more smart devices interconnected in your home, the greater the risks in the event of malicious intrusions or cyber attacks.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): Web 4.0 will likely see the widespread adoption of AR and VR, creating immersive experiences for users. These technologies will revolutionize fields such as education, healthcare, entertainment, and remote work. On the other hand, people are concerned about the impact of this type of technology on our social life and perception of reality - scaling problems such as social phobia, general anxiety disorder and cyberbullying.

Blockchain and Decentralization: Blockchain technology will enable more secure and transparent transactions, data integrity, and decentralized applications (dApps). This shift towards decentralization aims to reduce reliance on central authorities and enhance user control over data. However, the debate on the regulation of these technologies is important to prevent illegal activities such as money laundering and corruption.

Enhanced Connectivity: With the deployment of 5G and specialists already debating 6G, Web 4.0 will offer faster, more reliable internet connections, supporting real-time communication and data transfer on a massive scale.

Semantic Web: it's expected that Web 4.0 will incorporate the Semantic Web, where data is structured and linked in a way that allows machines to understand and interpret it. This will facilitate more efficient data sharing, improved search capabilities, and more intelligent information retrieval.

Final thoughts

The Internet has evolved from a simple network of computers to a complex ecosystem that underpins modern society. Understanding its basic functionality helps us appreciate the technological marvel it represents. Looking ahead, Web 4.0 promises to bring even more profound changes, leveraging a set of promising technologies to create a smarter, more interconnected world.

At the top of all that discussion, cybersecurity has a crucial role and scaling issues to address in a timely manner. It's not only about being ahead of cybercriminals, but about reclaiming the space that they have claimed to theirselves, mitigating risks, and regulating emerging technologies faster.

As these advancements unfold, they will continue to shape the way we live, work, and interact with the digital - and real - world.

This article was written with the support of ChatGPT. Some parts were generated by AI and curated by me.