A Half Century of Internet: How it works today (openHPI)

The Internet connects more than half of the world's population. This revolutionary form of transmitting all kinds of data between places on the planet has made the network of networks the indispensable backbone of societies. The number of users has exploded to four billion people. The speed of change is dramatic and for some breathtaking. Many well-known and even more unknown personalities have shaped the development of the Internet. However, this exciting success story also reveals the dark sides of this development. What has become of the original hope for a democratization of communication? To what extent has the Internet provided access to better educational opportunities? How do large Internet companies and governments use the Internet? How can you safely communicate over this network?

Enroll in course

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Why you should attend this course

At the end of this course, you will better understand the following contents:

- What the technical construction principle of the Internet looks like in its main features

- How data is transferred from one computer to another

- How data packets find their way through the interconnected individual networks of the Internet

- How mobile devices, sensors and machines communicate with each other via the Internet

- Which applications ensure that you can surf the World Wide Web and send or receive e-mails or films

- That security on the Internet - not considered a design feature from the outset - must be protected against possible attacks.

You will also be able to evaluate:

- What have so far been the key personalities and milestones in the development of the Internet so far

- Which developments have been successful or unsuccessful in the Internet's 50 year old history

- The important role the Internet has taken on in the economy, society, and politics

- How the Internet is being misused for criminal purposes and how to protect yourself against it

- Which development the Internet is likely to take in the future.
Workload and Certification

Depending on your previous knowledge, you should plan 3-6 hours per week for course participation. This estimated time includes the study of materials and self-tests provided. In addition, each week a graded homework assignment with a 60-minute time limit is scheduled. The workload of this course corresponds to 2 ECTS points. All successful course participants will receive their record of achievement or qualified certificate about one week after the end of the course.

Course contents

Intro

Week 1: Digitalization of the World (introduction, history, humans in the focus)

Week 2: Computer Networks (bits and bytes, LAN, WLAN, WAN)

Week 3: Network of Networks, internetworking, internet protocols

Week 4: Transport through the Internet

Week 5: Internet Applications (WWW, e-mail, social media)

Week 6: Internet and Web Security (digital identities, cybercrime, risks, precautions)

Final Exam