How does google analytics collect its data?

Question

Yes, I know you have to embed the google analytics javascript into your page.

But how is the collected information submitted to the google analytics server?

Answer 1

//edit: see coment at the bottom

*Ok, find an answer during a discussion with a friend of mine :-) The informations to google analytics are submitted in three ways:

1. List item
2. The HTTP Request can be analyzed with all informations of the http headers.
3. A cookie is recognized by the google analytics server.
4. An ajax call is done within the embeded javascript to submit such informations like display resolution, flash player version, etc. These informations are not transmitted via the http headers. *This is possible, because the ajax call is done in the context of the embedded javascript, so its no cross domain scripting. This was an error in reasoning by me.**