How the Internet Works (A Simple Journey of a Packet)

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Summary
Ever wondered what happens when you type a URL? Follow the journey of a data packet from Bangladesh, through submarine cables, to a global server and back.

Summary

The internet is a global network of interconnected computers. When you request a webpage, your data travels as “packets” through your router, your ISP, international submarine cables, and finally reaches a server, which sends the information back to you in milliseconds.

Overview

Think of the internet like the postal service. If you want to send a letter:

  1. You need an Address (IP Address).
  2. You need a Post Office (Your ISP).
  3. You need a Transportation Network (Cables and Routers).
  4. You need a Directory to look up names (DNS).

Technical Deep-Dive: The Journey

When you type google.com into your browser:

  • DNS Lookup: Your computer asks a DNS server, “What is the IP address of google.com?” (Like looking up a phone number).
  • Packet Creation: Your request is broken into small chunks called Packets.
  • Routing: These packets travel from your device to your Router, then to your ISP.
  • The Core: Your ISP sends the packets to an IIG, which puts them onto a Submarine Cable.
  • The Server: The packets arrive at a Google data center, the server processes the request, and sends the webpage back to you.

Bangladesh Context: The Submarine Cable

In Bangladesh, most of our “International” internet comes from two physical cables buried under the sea:

  • SMW-4: The older cable landing at Cox’s Bazar.
  • SMW-5: The newer, high-capacity cable landing at Kuakata.
  • SMW-6: A future high-speed cable (currently under construction) that will significantly increase Bangladesh’s international capacity.

If these cables are cut or undergo maintenance, all traffic must be rerouted through India via overland cables (ITC), which is why the internet often becomes slow for everyone in the country at the same time.

FAQ

  • Q: Is the internet in the air?
    • A: No. Even though Wi-Fi and 4G/5G feel wireless, 99% of the internet travels through physical cables (fiber optics) buried underground or under the ocean.
  • Q: Does the government control the internet?
    • A: In Bangladesh, the BTRC regulates the gateways (IIGs) and ISPs. They can technically block certain sites at the gateway level.

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