The Internet: Technology Background

The Internet is a global network of interconnected computer networks that use the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to link devices worldwide. It is a network of networks that consists of private, public, academic, business, and government networks of local to global scope, linked by a broad array of electronic, wireless, and optical networking technologies.

1. Packet Switching

Packet switching is a method of grouping data that is transmitted over a digital network into packets. Packets are made of a header and a payload. Data in the header is used by networking hardware to direct the packet to its destination where the payload is extracted and used by application software. Packet switching is the primary basis for data communications in computer networks and the Internet.

2. TCP/IP

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) is the set of communications protocols used in the Internet and similar computer networks. The two main protocols in the suite are TCP and IP. TCP is responsible for breaking data down into smaller packets before they are sent over a network and for assembling the packets again when they arrive. IP is responsible for routing the packets to their destination.

3. Client/Server Computing

Client/server computing is a distributed application structure that partitions tasks or workloads between the providers of a resource or service, called servers, and service requesters, called clients. Often clients and servers communicate over a computer network on separate hardware, but both client and server may reside in the same system. ## Internet Technology in Nepal

The Internet has been available in Nepal since 1995, but it was not until the early 2000s that it started to become more widely available. Today, the Internet is available in most parts of the country, but there are still a number of challenges to its adoption, including:

  • Cost: The cost of Internet access is still relatively high for many people in Nepal.
  • Infrastructure: The Internet infrastructure in Nepal is still underdeveloped in some areas, which can lead to slow speeds and unreliable service.
  • Literacy: The literacy rate in Nepal is still relatively low, which can make it difficult for people to use the Internet.

Despite these challenges, there are also a number of opportunities for Internet adoption in Nepal. These opportunities include:

  • A large and growing youth population: The youth population in Nepal is large and growing, and they are eager to adopt new technologies.
  • A government that is supportive of the Internet: The government of Nepal is supportive of the Internet and is working to improve the Internet infrastructure in the country.
  • A growing number of businesses that are using the Internet: A growing number of businesses in Nepal are using the Internet to reach new customers and to improve their operations.

Some of the key players in the Nepali internet market include Nepal Telecom, Ncell, and WorldLink.