What is an ISP?

An ISP, or Internet Service Provider, is the company that connects you to the internet. Think of them like the gatekeepers to the online world, letting you browse websites, send emails, and watch videos.

How Do ISPs Work?

ISPs connect to super-fast internet lines, which they use to give their customers quick and reliable service.

Big ISPs often have their own private lines, while smaller ones might share with other companies.

ISPs use servers in big data centers to manage all the information flowing through their networks, helping everything run smoothly.

Types of ISPs

ISPs come in three tiers:

• Tier 1 ISPs: These are the big players with networks that span the globe. They own the physical internet lines and work with other Tier 1 ISPs to exchange traffic. They sell access to Tier 2 ISPs.
• Tier 2 ISPs: These ISPs connect to Tier 1 ISPs and serve large regions or entire countries. They offer services to both consumers and businesses.
• Tier 3 ISPs: These are smaller ISPs that connect to the internet through Tier 1 or 2 ISPs. They usually serve local areas, like neighborhoods or small towns.

Types of Internet Services

ISPs provide internet in different ways, depending on where you live and what you need:

• Cable: Uses coaxial (COAX) cables, which are good for low lag (delay). Download speeds range from 10 to 500 Mbps, and upload speeds from 5 to 50 Mbps.
• Fiber: Uses fiber optic cables, offering the fastest speeds—up to 1,000 Mbps for both downloads and uploads. Great for heavy internet users.
• DSL: Uses telephone lines and is slower than cable or fiber, with download speeds of 5-35 Mbps and upload speeds of 1-10 Mbps. It's an older technology and less common now.
• Satellite: Uses satellites to provide internet, making it available even in remote areas. It’s slower, with download speeds of 12-100 Mbps and upload speeds around 3 Mbps.

What Does Your ISP See?

Your ISP can monitor your online activity. If you visit a website that doesn’t use HTTPS (the padlock icon in the URL), your ISP might see sensitive info like usernames and passwords. Even with HTTPS, they can still track which sites you visit. To protect your privacy, consider using a VPN.

ISP Companies

In the U.S., there are over 2,880 ISPs according to BroadbandNow. The top five by coverage are HughesNet, Viasat, AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. ISPs are categorized into three tiers:

• Tier 1: These ISPs, like AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen Technologies, are the backbone of the internet with global networks and direct connections to other major networks.
• Tier 2: Regional and national ISPs, such as Comcast and Cox, buy access from Tier 1 ISPs and provide services to consumers and smaller ISPs.
• Tier 3: Local providers like EarthLink and smaller regional ISPs rely on Tier 1 and Tier 2 for internet access, typically serving residential areas and small businesses.

How to Find Out Who Your ISP Is

If you want to know who your ISP is, here are some easy steps:

• Use a tool like “Who is My ISP” to quickly find out.
• Search “What is my IP” in Google, then use an IP lookup tool to check your ISP.
• Check your network settings on your computer or router for the ISP's name.
• Look for branding on your router, which might tell you the ISP.

By following these steps, you can easily identify your ISP and understand more about your internet service.