Abu Zar Mishwani
An ISP, or internet service provider, is a company that connects people and businesses to the internet. They have the necessary technology and infrastructure to establish a presence on the internet in specific regions, providing access to online services and communication.
Internet service providers (ISPs) enable customers to connect to the internet and offer supplementary services like email, domain registration, and web hosting. Additionally, ISPs may offer various types of internet connections, including cable and fiber optic options.
Connections provided by ISPs can vary in speed, categorized into high-speed broadband and non-broadband. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), for a connection to qualify as high-speed, it must offer download speeds of at least 25 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds of at least 3 Mbps.
An ISP, which stands for Internet Service Provider, is also known as an Internet Access Provider. Additionally, the term ISP is occasionally used as an abbreviation for Independent Service Provider, indicating a service provider distinct from a telephone company.
How Do ISPs Work?
ISPs are linked to high-speed internet lines, with larger ISPs often possessing their own leased lines for enhanced service independence from telecommunication providers. This setup enables them to deliver superior service quality to their customers.
ISPs maintain numerous servers in data centers, depending on their internet service coverage area size. These expansive data centers serve as hubs for managing customer traffic. Moreover, multiple ISPs are interconnected through major backbone routing centers.
ISPs are typically categorized into three tiers:
- Tier 1: These ISPs possess extensive global reach and infrastructure, enabling them to handle a significant portion of internet traffic independently. They often engage in peering agreements with other Tier 1 networks, facilitating traffic exchange without charges. Additionally, Tier 1 ISPs commonly provide network access to Tier 2 ISPs.
- Tier 2: Tier 2 ISPs typically operate on a regional or national scale, serving as intermediaries between Tier 1 and Tier 3 ISPs. While they have to buy access from larger Tier 1 networks, they engage in peering agreements with other Tier 2 ISPs. These ISPs concentrate on serving both consumer and commercial customers.
- Tier 3: Tier 3 ISPs primarily connect customers to the internet through the network infrastructure of higher-tier ISPs. They rely on and pay Tier 1 or Tier 2 ISPs for access to internet services. These ISPs concentrate on delivering internet access to local businesses and consumer markets within their specific geographic areas.
ISPs and the Various Services They Offer
ISPs offer various internet services, including:
1. Cable
Cable internet service utilizes coaxial cables, similar to those used for delivering television signals. This type of internet connection offers low latency, making it suitable for users who require minimal delay or lag. Cable internet typically provides download speeds ranging from 10 to 500 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds ranging from 5 to 50 Mbps.
2. Fiber
Fiber internet employs fiber optic cables to transmit data, offering significantly faster speeds compared to cable or DSL connections. With download speeds ranging from 250 to 1,000 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds also ranging from 250 to 1,000 Mbps, fiber is particularly advantageous for online gamers and other users with high demands on internet performance.
3. DSL
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) utilizes telephone lines to connect users to the Internet. While widely accessible, it’s gradually being supplanted by more dependable broadband options like cable and fiber. DSL typically provides slower speeds, with download speeds ranging from 5 to 35 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds from 1 to 10 Mbps. It remains a viable choice for users in rural regions and those primarily engaged in web browsing or single-device TV streaming.
4. Satellite
Satellite internet access operates by utilizing communication satellites, with ground stations transmitting internet data as radio waves to and from satellites, which may orbit low Earth or farther away. Although slower, with download speeds ranging from 12 to 100 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds of 3 Mbps, satellite internet serves as a viable option for users located in remote areas.
Examples of ISPs
According to independent research conducted by BroadbandNow and data from the FCC, over 2,900 ISPs are operating in the United States, offering diverse services to consumers. Among these ISPs, the top five ranked by estimated population covered include HughesNet, Viasat Internet, AT&T Wireless, Verizon, and T-Mobile.
Breaking down the ISPs based on the tiers mentioned earlier:
Tier 1 ISPs
- AT&T
- CenturyLink
- Sprint
- Verizon
Tier 2 ISPs
- Comcast
- Cox Communications
- CTS Telecom
Tier 3 ISPs typically comprise smaller regional and local providers.
Evolution of ISPs
Internet service providers have evolved significantly from their origins of providing dial-up internet service. In the past, dial-up was the sole option for internet access, requiring users to connect their computers to a phone line using a modem. This method offered slow speeds, typically around 56 kilobits per second (kbps), and the connection was often unreliable.
As technology advanced, ISPs transitioned to providing higher-speed connections through DSL or cable, offering significantly faster speeds compared to dial-up, typically around one megabit per second (Mbps). However, these speeds were still slower than what is commonly available today.
Nowadays, ISPs are offering high-speed fiber-optic connections along with unlimited data plans. As technology continues to advance, new services such as high-speed 5G home internet are becoming increasingly accessible to consumers.