This article is in sharp contrast to the Nielsen article in that it focuses on system implementation. Please do look over the figures and sidebars, though you may need to go to an original copy to understand the screen dumps. Please carefully watch the Intermedia videotape if you can, since it explains much more about applications and system use, while also exploring the system architecture as recounted in the article. You should definitely skim this article before the videotape viewing if you can, and read it carefully after viewing the videotape.
This article is a bit difficult to read. Don't worry too much about the two processes, the layers, the socket calls. You might find it easiest to read the introduction, and then study the section on Data Model, which is probably the most important part. That should prepare you for Features of Hypermedia Policy where the subsections relating to anchors, links, and webs are the most important ones. The other part of particular interest is Features for the Next Generation which brings you up to the point of current research work on hyperbase management systems.