OCR J277: Internet, DNS & The Cloud - Interactive Masterclass

Learning Objectives

Describe the Internet as a worldwide collection of networks. Explain the role of DNS (converting URLs to IPs). Define Hosting and The Cloud. Extension: Pros/Cons of Cloud Storage.

What is the Internet?

A Network of Networks

We know a LAN covers a small area (like your home). The Internet is what happens when you connect every LAN in the world together using massive underwater cables and satellites.

Fact: The Internet is mostly physical cables under the ocean, not just "invisible magic" in the air!

World Wide Web ≠ Internet

The Internet is the hardware (cables).
The WWW is the webpages we see on it.

DNS (Domain Name System)

The "Phonebook" of the Internet

Computers don't understand names like google.com. They only understand numbers (IP Addresses). The DNS server swaps the name for the number.

You

Enter URL...

Where is google.com?

142.250.187.238

DNS Server

Waiting...

Analogy: Just like you tap a name in your contacts to call a phone number, the browser sends the URL to the DNS, and gets the IP Address back.

Hosting & The Cloud

Tap the cards to reveal the definitions needed for the exam.

Web Hosting

Tap to reveal

Web Hosting

Paying a company to store your website files on a Web Server.

Always switched on (24/7).
High security.
Specific IP address.

The Cloud

Tap to reveal

The Cloud

Storing data and apps on remote servers accessed via the Internet.

Common Phrase:
"There is no cloud, it's just someone else's computer."

IP Address

Tap to reveal

IP Address

A unique set of numbers that identifies a device on a network.

e.g., 192.14.5.21

Analogy: Like your home's postal address.

Activity: Cloud or Local?

Click on each item to sort it into Cloud Storage or Local Storage.

Cloud Storage

Local Storage

Final Knowledge Check

Foundation

What does a DNS server do?

Extension / Higher

Why might a company choose Cloud Hosting over Local Hosting?