Short for Internet Service Provider, a company that provides access to the Internet. For a monthly fee, the service provider gives you a software package, username, password and access phone number. Equipped with a modem, you can then log on to the Internet and browse the World Wide Web and USENET, and send and receive e-mail.
In addition to serving individuals, ISPs also serve large companies, providing a direct connection from the company's networks to the Internet. ISPs themselves are connected to one another through Network Access Points (NAPs).
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Internet Service Provider (ISP) FAQ This FAQ provides information on how to become an Internet Service Provider. Some main topics include: general information, business plans, financial information, equipment, and technical considerations.
Russ Haynal's ISP Page Contains resources that "every ISP employee should know about the Internet." Includes links to backbone maps, global interconnection points, Internet architecture data, etc.
The List - A database of Internet Service Providers The database at 'The List' site contains thousands of Internet Service Providers from around the world. The database is searchable by entering the ISP name or domain name, or you can choose from a variety of several categories to locate an ISP near you.
xSP News Collection of ISP news articles from the InternetNews.com site.
