--- type: "Chapter" knowledge_type: "chapter" entity_type: "chapter" id: "66dfded23f8b4e9e69bf7d22" title: "Internet and Web" board: "CBSE" curriculum: "CBSE" class: "Class 12" subject: "Informatics Practices" book: "Informatics Practices" chapter: "Internet and Web" chapter_slug: "internet-and-web" canonical_url: "https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-12-informatics-practices-internet-and-web" markdown_url: "https://www.edzy.ai/okf/chapter/cbse-class-12-informatics-practices-internet-and-web.md" source_type: "examSubjectBookChapter" source_id: "66dfded23f8b4e9e69bf7d22" source_pdf: "https://edzy-ai.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/edzy-express-ts/085c62fa-30ba-47d0-b8bf-7999f346bad5.pdf" source: "Edzy" version: 1 last_updated: "2026-06-20" --- # Internet and Web In the digital age, we are surrounded by interconnected networks facilitating real-time information exchange. This chapter delves into the fundamental aspects of computer networks, encompassing their types, devices, and the pervasive nature of the Internet and World Wide Web. --- ## Knowledge Snapshot | Field | Details | | :--- | :--- | | Class | Class 12 | | Subject | Informatics Practices | | Book | Informatics Practices | | Chapter | Internet and Web | | Pages | 137-166 | --- ## Chapter Summary ### Short Summary This chapter covers essential concepts related to computer networks, including the types, devices, topologies, the Internet's structure, applications, and website hosting. ### Detailed Summary The chapter begins by defining computer networks as interconnected devices that facilitate data sharing and resource access. It then classifies networks into three types: LAN, MAN, and WAN, based on geographical coverage and data transfer rates. Various networking devices such as modems, routers, switches, and hubs are explored for their roles in communication within networks. Additionally, the chapter discusses networking topologies, describing mesh, ring, bus, star, and hybrid configurations. The Internet is introduced as the largest WAN, connecting devices globally. The chapter concludes by detailing applications of the Internet, including the World Wide Web, email, instant messaging, and VoIP. --- ## Topic-Wise Explanation ### Introduction to Computer Networks A computer network connects multiple computing devices, facilitating data sharing and resource allocation while varying in size and scope. ### Types of Networks **Local Area Network (LAN):** Covers limited areas like a room or office, allowing high-speed connections, typically up to 1 km. **Metropolitan Area Network (MAN):** Encompasses a city or town with a broad but limited geographical area, effectively connecting multiple LANs. **Wide Area Network (WAN):** Interconnects multiple LANs and MANs across broader distances, like global networks, exemplified by the Internet. ### Network Devices **Modem:** Converts digital signals to analog and vice versa, facilitating Internet connectivity. **Router:** Connects networks and routes data packets between different networks, capable of analyzing and repackaging data. **Switch:** Operates within LANs, directing data packets accurately to specific devices rather than broadcasting. **Hub:** A basic device that connects multiple computers but with lower efficiency than switches. **Gateway:** Serves as an entry and exit point for networks, managing external connections and routing. ### Networking Topologies **Mesh Topology:** Each node connects to every other, promoting reliability but increasing complexity. **Ring Topology:** Devices are connected in a circular format, allowing unidirectional data flow. **Bus Topology:** All devices share a single communication line, thus minimizing wiring costs. **Star Topology:** All devices connect to a central hub or switch; effective but dependent on the central device’s reliability. **Tree Topology:** A hybrid of topologies, forming branches and connecting various LANs. ### The Internet The Internet serves as a global network that interlinks millions of devices and networks, playing a crucial role in modern communication. ### Applications of Internet - **World Wide Web (WWW):** A vast collection of linked web pages. - **Email:** Electronic communication for sending messages and files. - **Chat:** Real-time instant messaging across distances. - **VoIP:** Voice communication services over the Internet. ### Website A structured collection of web pages designed under a common theme, accessible via a URL. ### Web Page A document viewable in a browser, created using HTML and often containing various multimedia elements. ### Web Server Stores and delivers website content to users' browsers upon request, defining the interaction between server and client. ### Hosting of a Website Involves placing a website on the Internet by using a web hosting service to allocate necessary resources and domain name management. ### Browser Software enabling users to access and navigate the vast resources available on the WWW, supporting various functionalities and settings. --- ## Core Ideas | Idea | Explanation | | :--- | :--- | | Network Connectivity | Allows devices to share information and resources efficiently. | | Internet's Structure | Composed of various interconnected networks, facilitating global communication. | --- ## Important Points for Revision * Computer networks range from LANs to WANs. * Modems facilitate conversion between signal types. * Routers analyze and send data packets across different networks. * Networking topologies determine connections and data flow. * The Internet encompasses various applications, including the WWW and email. * Websites are composed of web pages, accessed via URLs. * A web server hosts and serves website content. * Effective hosting requires resource allocation and domain management. --- ## Vocabulary and Glossary | Word / Phrase | Meaning | | :--- | :--- | | Modem | Device that modulates and demodulates signals for data transmission. | | Router | A device that routes data between networks. | | LAN | Local Area Network, covering a small geographical area. | | WAN | Wide Area Network, connecting distant geographical locations. | | HTTP | HyperText Transfer Protocol, used for transferring web pages. | | HTML | HyperText Markup Language, used to structure web pages. | | VoIP | Voice over Internet Protocol, allowing voice calls via the Internet. | | URL | Uniform Resource Locator, the address for accessing web resources. | | Web Server | A server that hosts websites and delivers content to users. | | Web Hosting | Service that enables websites to be accessible over the Internet. | --- ## Practice Questions ### Short Answer Questions 1. What is a computer network? 2. Define LAN, MAN, and WAN with examples. 3. What is the function of a modem? 4. Describe the role of a router in a network. 5. What are the advantages of using a star topology? ### Long Answer Questions 1. Explain the different types of networking devices and their functions in detail. 2. Discuss the various types of network topologies and their implications on data transmission. 3. Describe the process of hosting a website and the critical steps involved. --- ## Related Concepts - Network Protocols - Data Transmission - Client-Server Model --- ## Source Attribution | Field | Value | | :--- | :--- | | Source | Edzy | | Reference Type | examSubjectBookChapter | | Reference ID | 66dfded23f8b4e9e69bf7d22 | | Canonical URL | https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-12-informatics-practices-internet-and-web | | Markdown URL | https://www.edzy.ai/okf/chapter/cbse-class-12-informatics-practices-internet-and-web.md |