Chapter 10: The Internet

Internet Exchange Point (IXP)

A physical infrastructure that enables ISPs to communicate among their networks, which limits the upstream traffic an ISP must handle. provide service to customers and regional ISPs

Tier 2 ISPs

Also known as regional ISPs. Comcast or BellSouth provides service to customers and local ISPs

Tier 1 ISP

Are national ISPs that connect together and exchange data at IXPs (internet exchange points) national ISPs AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, Global Crossing

peering

ISPs at the same level usually do not charge each other for exchanging messages

DSL Architecture

Local Loop Line Splitter DSL Modem DSL Access Multiplexer (DSLAM)

broadband technologies

Provide higher speed communications than traditional modems.

cable modem

This provides high-speed Internet connections through the cable television network.

Internet Service Provider (ISP)

a company that provides access to the internet for a monthly fee AT&T and Sprint

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)

a family of point-to-point technologies designed to provide high-speed data transmission over traditional telephone lines

Points of Presence (POPs)

a place at which the ISP provides services to its customers

Tier 3 ISPs

acquire Internet service from Tier 2 ISPs; focus of these ISPs is the retail and home networks in a specific locale; often bundle Internet connectivity as a part of network and computer service contracts for their customers; good choice for small to medium sized companies

Autonomous System

each ISP is responsible for running its own interior routing protocols ISPs

Fiber to the Home (FTTH)

running fiber-optic cable into the home

WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access)

the set of standards developed by the IEEE 802.16 standards group designed to connect easily into ethernet LANs