ISP Full Form | What is ISP and How to Choose One?

ISP stands for Internet Service Provider. As the name suggests, they are the companies that provide internet services to their users. Companies like Jio, Airtel, Hathway are popular internet service providers in India.

In this article, we have explained about ISPs in networking, what their function is, and how you can find the best ISP in your area. We will also look at different techniques used by ISPs to provide internet services.

Furthermore, if you are interested in starting a career in ISP, you can check out our networking courses that teach various tools and technologies of networking.

What is an ISP in Computer Networks?

ISPs are the companies that provide internet services to individuals or organizations. The SIM card that you use, or the WiFi provider are some examples of ISPs around you.

An ISP can provide internet services using various wireless and wired technologies. Some of the most common internet-providing methods include satellite links, fiber-optic cables, and DSL (Digital Subscriber Line).

ISPs are also responsible for providing a public IP to your device, so that it can access the Internet. Most of the ISPs bundle their internet services with other services like telecommunications, OTT streaming, or Dish TV to attract more customers.

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History of ISPs

The first commercial ISP, The World, launched in 1989 in the U.S., offering dial-up internet access. By the mid-1990s, ISPs like AOL and EarthLink popularized home internet.

Broadband replaced dial-up in the 2000s, with speeds jumping from 56 Kbps to over 100 Mbps. Today, fiber-optic ISPs like Google Fiber and JioFiber offer gigabit speeds.

The growth in ISPs has been exponential over the years. In the 1990s, fewer than 50 million people worldwide had internet access, mostly via dial-up ISPs offering speeds of just 56 Kbps. Today, the global ISP market serves over 5.4 billion users, with average broadband speeds exceeding 100 Mbps in many regions.

How Does an ISP Provide Internet Access?

An Internet Service Provider (ISP) gives you access to the internet by connecting your device to its network infrastructure, which is already linked to the broader internet.

To simplify it, think of your ISP as a bridge. It has access to the internet, and when you subscribe to its services, it lets you connect to the internet through its network.

Here is a simple technical step-by-step process that shows how you access the internet through an ISP

Step 1: Your Device Connects to the ISP network

Your device (phone, laptop, etc.) connects to your ISP’s network via a medium like WiFi, mobile data, or Ethernet.

Step 2: ISP assigns an IP Address to your device

The ISP assigns your device a unique IP address, which identifies it on the internet and enables communication with other devices and servers.

Step 3: DNS Resolution

When you enter a website (e.g., www.google.com), your ISP uses the Domain Name System (DNS) to translate that domain name into a numerical IP address.

Step 4: Routing Data Between Your Device and the Internet

Using protocols like BGP (Border Gateway Protocol), your ISP routes your data through its network and across the internet to the destination server.

Step 5: Content Delivery

The destination server sends the requested data (e.g., a webpage or video) back through the same route, reaching your device via the ISP’s network.

This is the simple process of how an ISP works. But during these steps, your ISP monitors traffic to ensure smooth performance and applies techniques like traffic shaping or throttling if needed. They may also provide firewalls, content filtering, and cybersecurity tools based on your plans.

Types of ISP Services

Based on your requirements or location, an ISP can offer different types of internet services:

How to Find Internet Providers Near Me?

To find internet providers near you, start by searching online or using tools on comparison websites that allow you to enter your location. Start by searching online using terms like “internet providers near me” or by entering your ZIP code on provider websites.

You can also check with local utility companies, as they may partner with ISPs or offer their internet plans. Don't forget to ask neighbors or local businesses about their providers and service quality.

Top 5 Internet Service Providers in India

These tables should give you a quick comparison of the best ISPs in India:

How to Choose the Best ISP in Your Area

If you are also confused about choosing the right ISP for yourself, you should read these tips, which ensure you choose the best ISP available.

1. Identify Your Usage Needs

Before choosing an ISP, you should know what you will be using the internet for. Is it for casual surfing, work, or gaming? Here are some points to consider for each need:

● For casual browsing & streaming, look for affordable plans with moderate speeds (50–100 Mbps).

● If you do a lot of gaming & video calls, you should prioritize low latency and stable connections.

● If you work remotely or run a business, choose high-speed plans (200 Mbps+) with reliable uptime and customer support.

2. Compare Plans & Pricing

After filtering the ISPs based on your requirements, the next step is to compare them and find the most value for money ISP. Here are some points you should focus on while comparing them:

● Speed (Mbps or Gbps)

● Data caps or unlimited usage

● Installation fees

● Contract terms

● Bundled services (TV, phone, mobile)

3. Research About ISP Customer Service

Now, in your research, you might find some ISPs that offer the best internet speeds at very low costs, but before choosing that ISP, you should always check its reputation in the market. Because if they have a high issue resolution time, poor customer support, it will ruin your experience.

Always read reviews on platforms like Google, Trustpilot, or Reddit.

4. Consider Technology Type

Now your ISP might be offering different ISP services, like dish, broadband, or ethernet. You might think they work similarly, but there is a huge difference between them. Here is when you should use which technology:

● Choose fiber if you stay at home and need faster internet speeds.

● You can choose cables if you want a more affordable internet with TV connections.

● Wireless internet service like 4G and 5G in your SIMs is good for travelling, but the data limit exhausts fast, and it is expensive.

Cheapest ISPs Around the World

Here are some countries with the cheapest internet in the world. The price drop is significantly due to a well-built infrastructure and Competition.

This is not the case everywhere. In some parts of the world, internet access is extremely costly. For example, in Zimbabwe, the average cost of internet is $43.75 per GB, followed by the Falkland Islands ($40.58) and Saint Helena ($40.13). These high prices are driven by limited infrastructure, reliance on satellite connections, and lack of competition, making the internet a luxury in these regions.

Advantages of ISP

● They provide consistent and stable internet connections, essential for both personal and business use.

● ISPs offer different plans with varying speeds, allowing users to choose a package that fits their browsing, streaming, or business needs.

●Most ISPs offer customer service and technical support to quickly resolve internet issues or equipment problems.

● Many ISPs bundle internet access with other services like email hosting, cloud storage, VoIP (Voice over IP), and television packages.

Disadvantages of ISP

The following are the disadvantages of an ISP:

● Due to intense market competition, some ISPs have been reported to engage in questionable practices like hidden charges, unexpected price hikes, and inconsistent service quality.

● Using an ISP makes you fully reliant on them for internet access, speed, security, and support, leaving little room for flexibility or control.

● If your ISP hosts too many users on the same shared server, it can lead to slower internet speeds, reduced website performance, and inconsistent connectivity.

Conclusion

Whether you’re streaming movies, running a business, or just browsing the web, your ISP plays a vital role in your online experience. Understanding your options and knowing how to choose the right provider can make all the difference.

With new technologies and more competition on the horizon, the future of internet access looks faster, more affordable, and more accessible than ever.