The Internet has become an important utility of the modern age. There is no alternative to the internet when it comes to entertainment, convenience, and productivity for consumers. Our world is now a complex interconnected mesh where everything works in an organized manner, thanks to the internet. From our home appliances to our gaming consoles, smart TVs, and home automation devices to security systems, a solid internet is the base of everything. Thanks to all the major stakeholders and Internet service providers, the internet is accessible more than ever.
What are Internet Service Providers?
As the name suggests, the internet service providers make sure that consumers have a working internet connection. It is a company that offers internet services to residential and business customers. There are countless internet service providers or ISPs working in the United States. Some of them differ in how they get the internet to the end-user. Click here to get the best ISP for your home or business.
How does an ISP get the internet?
This is a complex phenomenon and to understand it better, we have to start from the very basic. If you have a computer or laptop at your home, you connect it with the internet through a LAN or Wi-Fi. Your computer is a tiny entity in this cosmos of networks. You get your internet through an internet service provider. At your work, you might be getting internet through a local area network or LAN. Even in that case, the internet is given by an internet service provider. When you connect to the ISP, you become a part of their huge network. Similarly, the ISP itself is connected to a large network. In simple terms, the internet is merely a network of never-ending networks woven in intricate patterns.
On larger scales, the communication companies have dedicated backbones that connect various regions. In each of these regions, they have a Point of Presence (POP). This POP is for all the local users to access that company’s network through a dedicated line.
Types of Internet Service Providers
There are different ways how ISPs are operating in the United States:
Cable
Cable Internet uses a complex network of coaxial cables. These coaxial cables are the same lines that deliver cable TV. Cable internet is one of the major sources of internet throughout the years with many providers operating in the industry. Cable internet is accessible to more than 41 states. The internet speeds delivered by cable are extremely high and therefore, a common choice for many users. The cable internet is not influenced by weather conditions.
Satellite
Satellite internet is another common source occupied by ISPs. This is ideal for geographically remote areas where cable lines cannot reach. However, satellite internet is doing well in the urban landscapes. There are countless providers with high-speed internet. The only drawback is that it is not recommended for gaming and weather can influence the internet.
Fiber
Fiber internet is an advanced technology that uses fiber optics instead of traditional cables for the internet. Fiber optics are made of glass and are capable of carrying more data and bandwidth. Therefore, the speeds given by the fiber internet are the highest. It is more reliable and the only problem is that fiber internet requires a massive infrastructure cost. Therefore, it is not widely available.
DSL
DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line and another common method of delivering the internet to the users. DSL internet uses phone wires to transmit the internet. The speeds are fast and fairly consistent. However, it is a bit outdated technology and people prefer cable and fiber internet more. However, it is relatively cheaper than other forms of the internet.
Cellular Internet
Cellular Internet is another common means of internet service in the United States. It is predicted that cellular internet will take over all the outdated means of internet networking by the introduction of 5G. The newest 5G is rolling out soon and it is expected to be 100 times faster than the existing 4G technology. Therefore, it is highly anticipated.
How much ISPs charge for the connection?
Every ISP has a different charge for the internet. It depends upon the download speed you are getting. It normally ranges from $39.99 to more than $140 per month. However, there are great savings if you bundle it with a TV and phone.
