Block 1 Part 4

Block 1 Part 4 went more into the technical side of computers and how they communicate. We were given an activity to use a program called VisualRoute - With this we could determine how information is moved around the internet. It allows us to input a web address then the application shows us where the information from that website originates from and the route it takes to the computer.

We then moved on to transmission of optical fibre, electrical wires, radio waves and microwaves - As well as analyzing waves in terms of frequency, wavelength and period. We also looked at performing bandwidth calculations which I have to admit did fry my brain a bit!

After that, it discussed the following:

• Concepts of routing and switching
• Concept of a packet
• IP packets
• IP addresses
• Routers, gateways & DNS servers
• TCP/IP
• DHCP, NAT & firewalls

Due to already having some experience with the topics listed above, I once again decided to skim read this part as I felt comfortable I already knew the information provided.

Overall I found this block very interesting although I did struggle with some of the maths work - I made sure I spent longer focusing on that part as I know it's not one of my strong points.