So , where do my request go to ???

YOUR COMPUTER.
This is the beginning of your request and also where it ends. As soon as you type in the web address , hit enter , your request begins.

MODEM.
The modem has to convert your computers digital data into analog format , for transport across the phone lines.When you get data from the internet in , your modem then converts the analog back to digital format, for your computer to understand.

LOCAL PHONE EXCHANGE.
Your exchange routes the data to your Internet Service Provider(ISP) , usually via a fast T1 line.

INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER.
A modem at your ISP turns your analog data back into digital format for the rest of the tour.They redirect your data request then to their 'backbone' connection.

BACKBONE CONNECTION.
They are where the fat data-carrying cables from other countries meet for data exchange.From your ISP , your request will be routed to either the Johannesburg Internet Exchange(JINX) or Cape Town Internet Exchange(CINX) (In the case of South Africa).

INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE POINT.
When you get off the main net backbone , your data request get to another international exchange point , in another country. (The foreign equivalent to JINX or CINX)

THE HOSTING ISP.
Your request jumps from point to point until it gets to the ISP that hosts the web page that you have requested.

BACK HOME AGAIN.
Now that data request or web page of yours has to get back home again. It will follow a similar way back home - through the phone lines , modems , routers , ISP's and exchanges.