Internet Service Provider

In short: An internet service provider (ISP) provides access to the internet.

In more detail: It connects the home network via DSL, cable, fibre (fibre) or mobile network to the worldwide network.

In Depth

Tasks

Assignment of the public IP address (IP addresses), routing, often DNS and e-mail services. Providers are connected to each other (peering).

In Germany

Large providers: Telekom, Vodafone, Telefónica (O2), 1&1. Customers may use their own routers (router freedom). See bandwidth, router.

See also: Telekom, Telefónica, 1&1, Bandwidth