An Internet Service Provider (“ISP”) is a company that provides Internet access and other related services. These services commonly include Internet access, website hosting, e-mail accounts & fax-to-email service.
In this post:
Knowledge required:
1. Internet Access
As a customer, you most likely have a device (or many devices) which you wish to have connected to the Internet. You will need a connection to the Internet (or you may already have one), such as an ADSL, FttH or FttB, WiMAX, or even satellite. Once you have this physical connection to the Internet, you will need your ISP to facilitate the transfer of data from and to the Internet. This is achieved by configuring your hardware (ADSL modem, fibre, WiMAX, or satellite router) with your account details as provided by your ISP.
2. Website hosting
Should you require hosting for your website, an appropriate ISP would create a folder on one of their web servers configured for your website domain. You would then create your website and upload it to this folder. The ISP facilitates the routing of the requests and responses to your domain.
A typical ISP will offer a wide range of additional services: databases, back-ups, security against hackers, FTP access and more.
3. E-mail accounts(s)
Your ISP will most likely provide you with e-mail facilities. This service then takes care of the e-mails that you send and receive. Additional services like Spam protection are usually included in the package.
4. WISP
A Wireless Internet Service Provider (“WISP”) provides a wireless connection, WiMAX. A WISP does NOT provide Wi-Fi!
5. Examples
Examples of South African ISP’s:
- Afrihost
- MWeb
- RAIN
- RSAWEB
- TELKOM
- WebAfrica