An Internet service provider is a company or other entity that provides Internet access or other technical services related to the Internet to its customers, usually against payment. Other common names for an Internet service provider are Internet Service Provider, Internet Service Provider, Internet Service Provider (ISP) or Internet Access Provider. In the German-speaking world, only the abbreviated term Provider is often used. The main task of an ISP is to provide services that are necessary for the use of the Internet. This includes as the most important service the provision of basic access to the Internet. Furthermore, an ISP also offers optional technical services, both for the use of existing content from the Internet and for the provision and operation of its own content and services on the Internet. An ISP can be a commercial enterprise, which is true in most cases. However, there are also public ISPs whose services are used in schools and universities, among others. Rarely, but also real existing, are non-commercial private providers.
The services of an ISP and the distinctions between ISPs
The spectrum of services is roughly divided into three areas: Hosting, access and content editing. Only very few Internet service providers cover all three areas completely. Most are limited to sub-areas, sometimes covering only a small or even very small part of the total spectrum. This is especially true for smaller providers. Larger providers, on the other hand, often provide services that each cover a part of all three areas. The most important individual services provided by Internet service providers are
- Enable access to the Internet (access providers, also access providers)
- Resource provisioning (host provider)
- Provide e-mail services (e-mail provider)
- Generation and maintenance of web content (content provider)
- Operation of software on behalf of customers (application service)
- Provide server cabinets and rooms (housing and colocation)
Access provider
Internet access provision is the most important service. Different technologies are used by both the end customer and the ISP to provide access. In most cases the dial-up is done via a modem of the end customer (formerly analogue, today DSL). Some end customers believe that it is possible without a modem, because they use a router for dial-up, which also works. However, a router is a combination of two devices that used to be separate and are now conveniently housed in a single enclosure with a common power supply. The two devices are an access point as a central connection of a network and a modem for Internet access. When operating a single PC without a network, a modem alone is sufficient. The modem (router) is then used for communication with the ISP. The ISP's job in providing Internet connectivity is to transfer data packets in IP protocol format to and from the Internet. The transfer can take place via dial-up lines, dedicated lines or radio technology.
Host Provider
For hosting, Internet service providers usually provide a whole bundle of services. These include basic services such as registration and operation of a domain of the end customer, rental of web server software and hardware, including power supply, maintenance and data backup. The scope of services of more advanced web hosting offerings varies considerably. In the simplest case a simple web presence is offered, often with script language support and database backend. More comfortable hosting packages offer additional monitoring, statistical evaluations and, if necessary, ensuring high availability. A web content management system (CMS system), if available, is sometimes included in the scope of services of a host provider. As a rule, however, Internet service providers provide a separate content provider for the use of CMS.
E-mail provider
The most important tool offered by an email provider is the actual mail server, which enables the setup of an email account and organizes and controls the sending and receiving of emails. Optional features include spam filters, virus protection and management functions for your own mailbox.
Content provider
To create your own editorial Contributions or other content published on the Internet, a web content management system (CMS) is usually used by the end user. It offers the required functionality and enables comfortable working. The CMS software module runs on the server side and is usually offered by the ISP on a rental basis. CMS systems can be operated via a browser and are therefore independent of the operating system. However, the content is only available for editing and publication as long as there is a contractual relationship with the associated ISP.
Application Service
For a fee, these Internet service providers provide software that is installed on the ISP's servers and that the end customer does not need to worry about maintaining.
Housing and colocation
Server housing is the provision of a data centre for the hosts of a customer (often called server). In housing, the ISP provides server cabinets or parts of rooms including the hardware infrastructure for operation and also provides the connection to the Internet. Colocation refers to the renting of premises or space in a data centre. There own computers can be housed and operated.
Legal basis on provider liability and storage of connection data
An Internet service provider provides only the technologies related to the connection to the Internet. He is not responsible for the content of his customers' websites. However, if an ISP has knowledge of illegal content, he must remove it. Furthermore, in Germany and some other countries he is obliged to store the connection data of his customers for a legally defined period of time and must provide information about his users upon request of law enforcement agencies.
