CONNECTING TO THE INTERNET THROUGH ISP

WHAT IS INTERNET? The Internet is a worldwide collection of computer networks, cooperating with each other to exchange information using common standards. Through telephone wires, fiber optic cables, wireless transmissions and satellite links, Internet users can exchange information in a variety of forms.

I NTERNET S ERVICE P ROVIDER (ISP) An ISP is a company that provides the connections and support to access the Internet.

I NTERNET S ERVICE P ROVIDER (ISP) Any home, business or organization that wants to connect to the Internet must use an Internet Service Provider (ISP)

THE ISP S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE INTERNET A POP is the connection point between the ISP's network and the particular geographical region that the POP is servicing. Individual computers and local networks connect to the ISP at a POP (Point of Presence).

THE ISP S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE INTERNET An ISP may have many POPs depending on its size and the area it services. Within an ISP, a network of high-speed routers and switches move data between the various POPs.

OPTIONS FOR CONNECTING TO THE ISP The simplest arrangement is a modem that provides a direct connection between a computer and the ISP. However, if multiple computers connect through a single ISP connection, you will need additional networking devices.

OPTIONS FOR CONNECTING TO THE ISP The choice of Internet access technologies depends on availability, cost, access device used, media used and the speed of the connection. Leased lines are typically used for business and large organizations, but can be used to provide high speed connectivity in areas where cable or DSL are not available.

ISP LEVELS OF SERVICE Depending on the ISP and the connection technology, various services are available.

ISP LEVELS OF SERVICE Most ISPs offer two different contract levels: home service or business class service. Home service is normally less expensive than business services, and generally provides scaled-down services such as slower connection speed, reduced web space storage, and fewer accounts. Business class service is more expensive but provides faster connection speeds and additional web space and accounts.

ISP LEVELS OF SERVICE When data is transferred, it is either uploaded or downloaded. When the download transfer rate is different from the upload transfer rate, it is called asymmetric. When the transfer rate is the same in both directions, it is called symmetric. ISPs can offer both asymmetric and symmetric services.

ISP LEVELS OF SERVICE Asymmetric: Most commonly used for the home. Download speeds are faster than upload speeds. Necessary for users that download significantly more than upload. Most Internet users, especially those who use graphics or multimedia intensive web data, need lots of download bandwidth.

ISP LEVELS OF SERVICE Symmetric: Most commonly used for business or individuals hosting servers on the Internet. Used when necessary to upload large amounts of traffic such as intensive graphics, multimedia, or video. It can carry large amounts of data in both directions at equal rates.