Internet service provider (ISP)
Company that provides Internet connections and services to individuals and organizations. For a monthly fee, ISPs provide computer users with a connection to their site (see data transmission), as well as a log-in name and password. They may also provide software packages (such as browsers), e-mail accounts, and a personal Web site or home page. ISPs can host Web sites for businesses and can also build the Web sites themselves. ISPs are all connected to each other through network access points, public network facilities on the Internet backbone.
ISP
(1) See in-system programmable.
(2) (Internet Service Provider) An organization that provides access to the Internet. Connection to the user is provided via dial-up, ISDN, cable, DSL and T1/T3 lines. Customers are generally billed a fixed rate per month, but other charges may apply.
Your Own Web Site
ISPs often host a small Web site for their customers, allowing you to have a presence on the Web. However, the Web site may be limited to a maximum number of pages, and the domain name of the ISP becomes part of the customer's URL address. For a fee, many ISPs will host Web sites and use your proprietary domain name.
Some of the older ISPs, such as AOL (America Online) and MSN (Microsoft Network), also provide proprietary databases, forums and services in addition to the on-ramp to the Internet. See IXP and backbone.
 |
| How They're Connected |
|---|
| Small ISPs hook into regional ISPs or directly into major backbone providers. This diagram shows a local ISP confined to a single county, and a regional ISP confined to a state. In practice, ISP networks often have irregular boundaries that span jurisdictions. |
 |
| ISP Architecture |
|---|
| This diagram shows how a typical, small ISP might be connected to the Internet. |