What is the internet, and how does it work?
Have you ever found yourself using the internet in day-to-day life, as many of us do, and stopped to think about how it works?
While it may seem like magic, there is a simple way to explain the internet and how it works (although there is much more to the process). The internet is a global network of computers and electronic devices that are all connected. This network is comprised of routers, servers, radios, smartphones, cellphone towers, and more! All these devices help create the network that supports the internet. But how do data and information move through all these devices?
In order for each of these devices to communicate with one another, there has been a list of rules, or Protocols, set up. These rules and direct connections allow for information to be sent and received. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) also plays a massive role in how your data travels. The ISP directs and routes the data request to a server. This data is referred to as binary information.
After being broken up into pieces, this binary information is sent through waves. These waves can be light pulses (fiber optic cables) or electric pulses (copper cables). It’s then pieced back together when it reaches its intended destination- all within a matter of seconds!
What types of internet are there?
Dedicated Internet Access (DIA):
Dedicated Internet Access, or DIA, is a private internet connection utilized by one business. This type of internet connection allows for synonymous download and upload speeds. In other words, your business will get the same bandwidth that you ordered. Traffic on the network comes from your business alone, inevitably increasing security and performance for your business. At OPTK Networks®, we recognize that this level of dependability and security are essential to our customers.
OPTK Networks offers DIA with a 99.995% uptime, a 24/7 local monitoring team (located in Lincoln, Nebraska), and is backed by our strict Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Our team will ensure that your network is always up and running, allowing a next-level customer experience.
Shared Internet:
On the other hand, shared internet is a connection shared by multiple businesses. Because of this, shared internet results in differing download and upload speeds, often resulting in a slower connection. Due to the nature of sharing the bandwidth with other businesses, it can only be provided up to a specified level and will differ depending on the traffic.
Take a quick look at the graphic below to see OPTKS DIA network vs. Shared Internet from a top competitor.
To learn more about Dedicated Internet Access and its availability near you, click here!
Fast Facts about OPTK Networks® fiber network
- 10,000+ Route Miles of Fiber
- 125+ Wire Centers Served
- 12,600 + Lit and Near-net Unique Locations
- 5,800+ along Denver to Omaha dark fiber route
- 1,000+ Miles of Newly Constructed Fiber
- Including Denver to Omaha dark fiber route
- Connectivity to Metro Wire Centers
- Omaha, Denver, Chicago, Kansas City, Minneapolis