An access provider connects customers to the internet using technologies like dial-up modems, DSL, and wireless routers. They offer different bandwidths for different needs and often provide a range of services. They buy or lease internet connections from ISPs and resell them to the public.
An access provider is a company or organization that provides Internet access to private and business customers. Often called an Internet Access Provider (IAP), an access provider connects its customers to the Internet through the use of technologies such as dial-up modems, Digital Subscriber Links (DSL), wireless routers, or dedicated high-speed modems. For a monthly fee, customers sometimes get a software package, as well as a username, password and range of services, specific to each access provider. The monthly fee depends on the volume and speed of the Internet connection required by the customer, measured in bytes per second. Using an access provider, customers can browse the Internet, send and receive e-mail messages, access software tools, upload data to a remote online repository, and host a website if needed.
An access provider buys or leases Internet connections in bulk from an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Internet Service Providers are large access providers who sell connections over the Internet. The access provider then resells parts of the purchased connections to the public. Internet service providers and access providers are connected to each other via Network Access Points (NAPS).
An access provider offers Internet access at different bandwidths. Bandwidth refers to data transfer rate, which is the amount of data that can be transported from one point to another in a given amount of time, usually measured in bytes per second. For example, an access provider purchases 1,544 megabytes (Mb) of bandwidth and then resells it in different sized chunks. The smaller bandwidths, from 4.4 kilobytes (Kb) to 28.8 Kb, are for individuals and businesses that want to send and receive less data per second, typically using a dial-up modem, DSL, or cable modem. Medium to large businesses or customers who need to send and receive higher volumes of data per second require higher bandwidths, from 64Kb to 128Kb, and often use DSL, various types of Ethernet, a leased line, or a High Speed Single Pair Line (SHDSL) digital subscriber to ensure their Internet needs are met.
Some access providers don’t just connect customers to the Internet; they also provide their own range of online content. These types of access providers are referred to as online service providers (OSPs). They provide a range of services such as email, news, search engine, entertainment (film, music, video), e-shopping, e-banking, e-health and e-financial services. The services offered are specific to each online service provider.
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