Computers and Route Directors

 

Computers and Route Directors

Computers and routers use routing tables in their operating systems to direct IP packets to the next hop router or destination. Routing tables are managed either by manual configuration or automatically by routing protocols. End-nodes typically use a default route to point traffic to an ISP, while ISP routers use the Border Gateway Protocol to establish more efficient routing across the complex connections of the global Internet. 70 percent of the world’s Internet traffic passes through Ashburn, Virginia.

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Common methods of Internet access by users include dial-up with a computer modem via telephone circuits, broadband via coaxial cable, fiber optics or copper wires, Wi-Fi, satellite and cellular telephone technology (e.g. 3G, 4G). The Internet can often be accessed from computers in libraries and Internet cafes. Internet access points exist in many public places such as airport lounges and coffee shops. Different terms are used such as public internet kiosk, public access terminal and web payphone. Many hotels also have public terminals, which are usually fee-based. These terminals are widely accessed for various uses like ticket booking, bank deposit or online payment.

Wi-Fi provides wireless access to the Internet through local computer networks. Hotspots that provide such access include Wi-Fi cafes, where users are required to bring their own wireless devices such as laptops or PDAs. These services can be free for all, free for customers only or fee based.

Grassroots efforts have led to wireless community networks. Commercial Wi-Fi services covering large areas are available in many cities such as New York, London, Vienna, Toronto, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Pittsburgh, where the Internet can be accessed from places like a park bench. Experiments have been conducted with proprietary mobile wireless networks such as Ricochet, various high-speed data services over cellular networks, and fixed wireless services. Modern smartphones can also access the Internet through a cellular carrier network. 

For web browsing, these devices provide applications such as Google Chrome, Safari, and Firefox, and can install a variety of Internet software from app-stores. Internet usage on mobile and tablet devices surpassed desktop for the first time worldwide in October 2016.