Why do I need an ISP? Why can't I connect directly to the Internet?

Question

To those who think an ISP is the only way: not true.
I don't need a lecture about roads and chaos. Please stick to the question or go away.

Why can't I hook up to the same "socket" that an ISP uses?

Yes, I can have a static address even through an ISP. But why am I *forced* to use an ISP?

Answer 1

An ISP is an internet service provider. They generally have their own back bone (large bandwidth connections), routers (to get you where you need to go) and Domain Name Servers (that identify you). All these things connect you to web sites hosted by other ISP's. So you need identification (an address), routing and your own backbone or you can't tap in to the internet.

Answer 2

Internet Without Isp

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Why do I need an ISP? Why can't I connect directly to the Internet?

Answer 4

I believe there is a way to connect to the internet without using an ISP. More than likely it would be illegal and require hacking, software and hardware. I know there has to be a way because when I lived in the one-stoplight town of Clatskanie, OR I was able to get internet access from a local provider. Not Comcast, AT&T, Sprint, etc. Somehow they were able to hook into the internet, far from cable, fibre, or T1 lines (as far as I know) and provide local internet service. I think it was done through the phone lines in this case, which is too slow to be practical now.

However, there is also something called the Dark Net. Now I highly doubt the folks behind that have a Comcast account! Somehow they have created internet access for themselves outside the control of any service provider. In this case i think we are dealing with hardware and software hacking.

Speaking of, you could probably hack your way into a satellite and get internet access that way, but again, this is more than likely illegal, probably very difficult, and traceable. I doubt anyone serious about being untraceable on the internet would use this option for any length of time, if at all.

I think the best solution here is hardware. Some device that can plug in to the internet, without being traced. I have a hunch something like this exists, and that the Dark Net is not the only entity hooked into the internet. If I were a betting person I would bet that someone has figured out how to make such a device, has mad it, and is using it, right now. More than likely in China and other areas where the internet is heavily restricted.

Figure out what this device is and how to get it, set it up and use it, then you can be on the internet without any middle-man. I assume that is what the OP was asking for. That is what I want to know as well. I advise you stay far away from the Dark Net or hardware/software hacking.

Answer 5

a lot of stupid comments on here. I understand what Luis is trying to ask, and I'm not fully convinced that you do need an ISP. You probably just need a lot of money to pay for your own infrastructure. But I would never take it for granted that we need any of these big companies. It is good that you are asking this, because you might actually be able to implement your own connection some how. Do more research into the technology, and keep asking questions. Take nothing for granted. You think that Tesla would have payed for internet?

Answer 6

You could connect directly to the internet...if you decided to take on the financial and technical responsibility of establishing and maintaining (at the very least) an internet server. The internet is, at it's core, a network of networks. Part of that network is the protocols known as DHCP, where web-sites have constant addresses, to which information can be sent. Your home computer does not have such a constant address, and relies on your ISP to redirect the data you request from the internet. In fact, your computer does give an assignment to the ISP, but that is used within that ISP's network. Basically, the info goes out of the ISP, to the internet, then comes back to the ISP, which directs it to you computer.

Answer 7

You need an internet service provider for your computer the same way you need a cable channel service provider for your tv (whether it's actually cable or whether it's satellite). You can't just plug in your tv, turn it on and get all the channels that are out there, you have to get them from somewhere (or someone). The internet is the same deal. You can't just plug in your computer and receive the internet, you have to get it from somewhere (or someone).

Answer 8

ISP servers are the ports to the internet. U can't be on interent unless U'r hookes up through the port. Good question though!

Answer 9

Let me ask you a question why use highways and roads? follow the traffic signs and lights? chaos! though no one owns the Internet there needs to be some control. Have you ever used a CB radio in a congested area especial when the 'children' do not follow courtesy and understood rules. Think spam is bad think about the Internet without any controls.

Answer 10

the ISP is the provider that allows you to connect to the Internet

there is no other way to connect