What happens when you type "https://www.google.com"and hit the Enter Key

What happens when you type "https://www.google.com"and hit the Enter Key

Introduction

Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes when you type "google.com" into your browser and press Enter? The process may seem instantaneous, but there's a fascinating journey that takes place involving various components and protocols. In this blog post, we'll explore the key steps involved in fetching the Google homepage, including DNS requests, TCP/IP firewalls, HTTPS/SSL, load balancers, web servers, application servers, and databases.

  1. DNS Request:

    The first step in accessing "https:www.google.com" is DNS (Domain Name System) request. The browser sends a query to a DNS server, asking for the IP address associated with the domain name. The DNS server then responds with the IP address of the server hosting Google.

  2. TCP/IP:

    Once the browser has the IP address, it establishes a TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) connection with the server. TCP ensures reliable data transmission by breaking down the information into small packets and reassembling them at the destination.

  3. Firewall:

    Before the TCP connection can be established, it may encounter a firewall. Firewalls are security measures that monitor and filter incoming and outgoing network traffic. They protect against unauthorized and potential threats.

  4. HTTP/SSL

    When the TCP connection is established, the browser initiates an HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) connection using SSL (Secure Socket Layer) or its successor, TLS (Transport Layer Security). This encryption protocol ensures that the data exchanged between your browser and Google's server remains secure and private.

  5. Load-Balancer:

    Google's infrastructure often employs load balancers to distribute incoming requests across multiple servers. Load balancers optimizes resource utilization and improve response times by evenly distribute the traffic.

  6. Web Server:

    Once the load balancer routes the request to an available web server, the web server processes it. The server's primary role is to handle HTTP requests, generate dynamic content and deliver the requested web pages back to the browser.

  7. Application Server:

    In more complex web applications, an application server may be involved. The application server executes code, interacts with databases, and performs various tasks required to process user requests. It acts as an intermediary between the web server and other resources.

  8. Databases:

    In the case of Google, a vast amount of data is stored in databases. When specific information is required, the application server interacts with the appropriate database to retrieve the requested data. Databases store and organize data efficiently, allowing quick access when needed.

    Conclusion:

    The seemingly simple act of typing "https:www.google.com" and pressing Enter sets in motion a series of intricate processes invloving DNS requests, TCP/IP connections, firewalls, HTTPS/SSL encryption, load balancers, web servers, application servers, and databases. These components work in harmony to deliver the Google homepage seamlessly to your browser.

    Next time you perform a search or access any website, take a moment to appreciate the complex machinery at work, diligently ensuring a secure and efficient browsing experience. The world of web infrastructure is an intricate and fascinating realm that empowers us with the wonders of the internet.