Ever wonder what happens when that router light turns red? This week, Herman and Corn dive deep into the invisible infrastructure of the internet, inspired by their housemate Daniel’s battle with network gremlins in Jerusalem. They break down the journey of a data packet, starting from legacy protocols like PPPoE and the physics of fiber optics to the massive "Passive Optical Networks" that serve entire neighborhoods. The discussion scales up to the global stage, explaining the hierarchy of ISP "Tiers," the high-stakes world of peering agreements, and the literal garden-hose-sized cables resting on the floor of the Mediterranean Sea. Learn how the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) acts as the internet's GPS, rerouting traffic in real-time when anchors snag subsea lines. It’s a fascinating look at the "amorphous cloud" that turns out to be a very long, very expensive chain of glass threads.
