Who Is My ISP (Internet Service Provider)?
An Internet Provider, otherwise known as Internet Service Provider (ISP) provides internet access to its customers. You simply cannot access the Internet without an ISP, since there won’t be an internet connection. You can think of the ISP as the cable TV provider.
You may wonder, “Who Is My ISP?” and might be seeking an answer to this question. Here, we help you find out about your ISP and explain why it is important to know, “Who Is My ISP?”.
How to find an ISP in my area?
Here are a few simple steps you need to follow to find the ISP in your area:
- Go to your browser
- Visit IP Lookup Tool
- Your ISP will be displayed below your IP Address
What are the types of ISP’s and how do they operate?
Before answering, “Who Is My ISP?”, let us discuss the types of ISPs. When the Internet was first introduced, three types of ISP’s existed:
- Dial-up Service
- High-Speed Internet – (commonly known as Broadband) offered by cable companies
- Digital Subscriber Line – (commonly known as DSL), offered by phone companies
Over the years, demand for dial-up has declined as high-speed Internet has taken over the, paving way for USB and handheld internet devices that don’t require wires.
DSL and Cable: DSL internet runs through phone wires and has moderate speeds and isn’t a bad option for light core usage, for instance emailing, watching videos, or running smaller games.
On the other hand, cable internet goes through an underground cable network and provides faster speeds than DSL, making it ideal for heavy extensive usage.
Fiber Internet: Fiber internet system transfers the data with the help of fiber optic cables which have thin glass wires. It remains to be the fastest method of ensuring internet access across the globe.
What is an IP address and how to search it?
IP stands for “Internet Protocol” and the unique number which is linked to your activities online is your address. Your computer remains connected to the Internet at all times. Whether you send or receive emails, do online shopping, or simply chat with your friends; in any case, your request needs to be sent to the right destinations. You receive a response in a similar manner.
But, the question remains, “With millions of computers connected with a singular ISP, how does yours function smoothly?
You see, to fulfill this purpose, the Internet adheres to a list of built-in networking standards and rules; that ensure your online requests are fulfilled accurately. All of this is made possible via the “electronic return address” – your IP address.
Why Do You Need To Learn About Your ISP?
IP addresses can be used to track your location, access personal data, or even, hack your device/computer. Therefore, it’s important to secure your IP address through the necessary steps, but before doing so, you should know about it.
Here are the simple steps you can follow:
Windows
- Go to Start icon > Settings > Network & Internet icon
- Select Ethernet on the left menu pane and select the network connection you are using. Your IP address will be visible next to the “IPv4 Address.“
- To determine the IP address of a wireless connection, select Wi-Fi on the left menu pane and click on Advanced Options. Your IP address will be visible next to the “IPv4 Address.“
Mac OS X:
- Click on the Apple logo at the top left, and select System Preferences > Network
- In the Network Preferences window, click a network port (for instance., Ethernet, AirPort, and Wi-Fi). If you are connected to the Internet, you will see the IP address under “Status.“
