What is ISP?

ISP is the abbreviation for an Internet Service Provider.

Typically, it is a cable or Telephone Company that provides the user with internet service. ISPs use copper wires, satellites, fiber optics as well as other forms to enable their consumers to access the internet. The kind of access differs based on consumer preferences. Cable or DSL is the best type for use at home because they are affordable.

Bandwidth determines the price for internet service. It is the amount of data that can pass through an internet connection at a given time. ISPs link with each other by forming a communication highway. The highway pushes extreme amounts of data to smaller cities, which then feed data to the neighborhoods and into our homes.

Types of ISP

• DSL: It uses the existing landline phones. Consumers can still make and receive phone calls while connected to the Internet using a DSL connection. This connection type allows for average-speed Internet access without high equipment costs. The speed is determined by how far away a consumer is from the nearest switching station. A modem is the only item consumers must buy.
• Satellite: Many people living in remote areas are given satellite Internet connection as an alternative to dial-up service. ISPs must invest heavily in infrastructure to provide this service.
• Broadband Cable: A large amount of cable TV service providers offer broadband cable connectivity. Connection speeds are typically variable depending on how many users are connected at the same time. As there are more users in a certain area, the connection is slower because they share bandwidth.
• Fiber-Optic: Currently, fiber-optic Internet service is the fastest and most popular type of ISP connection. Although a monthly fiber-optic connection subscription doesn’t cost a lot more than both DSL and broadband cable connections in terms of price, it offers the fastest connection speeds.
• Wi-Fi Broadband: Another type of connection, wi-fi broadband allows multiple users to connect to the Internet with greater flexibility. Because they don’t have to remain connected to a modem, users can move about and stay connected.

How does it work?

All computers that connect to the internet are part of a network. Whether using a dial-up connection or a local area network, there is an Internet Service Provider company that provides you with internet service.

When a user connects to an ISP, they become part of their system. The ISP then connects to a more extensive network and becomes part of their network. This series of network connections build up the internet.

Though Internet Service Providers are commonly known for providing internet service, they also offer extra services such as remote storage of information files, email accounts, and basic web hosting. Some of these additional services have limited in terms of technical support and site development and thus are not recommendable for business.

ISP Categories

The 3 major categories of ISP are:

• Tier 1 ISPs have the greatest global presence, and they have enough network lines to transmit most traffic independently. They don’t pay for the internet, but they invest heavily in infrastructure development.
• Tier 2 ISPs have a regional or nationwide reach and connect tier 1 and tier 3 ISPs as service providers. They purchase internet access from tier 1 ISPs, and they also partner with other tier 2 ISPs to exchange bandwidth.
• Tier 3 ISPs link end-users to the internet through the network of another ISP they rely on and pay higher-tier ISPs for internet service access. They focus on providing internet connections to local businesses and consumer markets.

Can I access the internet without an ISP?

It is impossible to connect to the internet without an Internet Service Provider. When one connects to the internet all by themselves, then they become the internet service provider. Connecting to the internet individually requires one to acquire numbering resources from the right authority.

Most of all you need to buy a bandwidth, which is very expensive. Thus, becoming your service provider is not rational unless it is for business purposes. However, there are various ways one can access the internet for free, for instance, open Wi-Fi networks.

Importance of ISP

The ISP serves as the road to the internet. It provides a direct connection from the firm’s network to the internet. Most modern business requires access to the internet and thus a service provider. The internet is an economical way of communication. ISPs act as mediators between the user and the internet by providing host sites for business.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rashmi Bhardwaj

I am here to share my knowledge and experience in the field of networking with the goal being – “The more you share, the more you learn.”

I am a biotechnologist by qualification and a Network Enthusiast by interest. I developed interest in networking being in the company of a passionate Network Professional, my husband.

I am a strong believer of the fact that “learning is a constant process of discovering yourself.”
– Rashmi Bhardwaj (Author/Editor)