Understanding the Internet

A concept for building blocks, a learning tool for a visual understanding of the flow of information from our devices to the internet and to other devices. Each color signifies a different section of the path through which information moves. The literal movement of data is not something that we can see happening in real time, only more data that signifies its movement. It’s abstract and to many, it’s mystifying and works like magic. For something we rely so heavily upon, we should have a basic understanding of how our devices and the internet work. This concept helps users visualize the paths that information takes to go from one device or server to another. Roll a ball bearing (data) from your device through the available pathways in order to reach the internet.

• Orange: Your device

• Yellow: Modem

• Teal: Router

• Blue: Domain Name Server

• Red: Internet Service Provider

• Purple: Servers

• Ball bearings: Data

A closer look

Ball bearings (data) moving through the internet service providers and reaching servers, or travelling from servers to devices.