The basic principles of how data travels across the globe via the internet.
The internet we use every day—how on earth does data travel all around the world?Surprisingly, 99% of internet data doesn't travel wirelessly. Instead, it moves at the speed of light through massive undersea fiber-optic cables laid on the ocean floor!Large files like the photos and videos we send don't travel all at once. They break down into tiny pieces called 'packets'—like puzzle pieces—before starting their journey.Once they reach their destination, these packets reassemble in order to display the original, complete image on our screens. The internet we use every second is the result of this amazing journey!The secret to how countless packets avoid getting lost in such a complex network is the 'router.' It guides them along the fastest, clearest, and most optimal path in real time!Just as you need an address to mail a letter, every device on the internet has a unique address called an 'IP address.' When we type in an easy-to-remember domain name, the system converts it into numbers to help navigate to the exact spot!▶ Read interactively