What is network service provider (NSP)? | Definition from TechTarget (2024)

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What is a network service provider?

A network service provider (NSP) is a company that owns, operates and sells access to Internet backbone infrastructure and services. The primary customers of NSPs are other service providers, including internet service providers (ISPs), which, in turn, sell internet access to businesses and consumers. Several network service providers also function as ISPs themselves, however. NSPs are also referred to as backbone providers.

NSPs build and maintain the fiber optic cable and core routers -- i.e., the principal data routes -- that make up the internet. Their physical connections come together at internet exchange points, which is where regional ISPs can connect to an NSP backbone. These locations are also called Peering points.

Not all network service providers are household names, but they are essential to modern networking. Their high-speed infrastructure and services support a downstream ecosystem that includes ISPs, wireless carriers and virtual network operators, among others, while also providing the foundation for all commercial IP services.

Examples of NSPs

Each region of the globe typically has a handful of NSPs, although some regions have only one. Some of the world's top NSPs include the following companies:

  • AT&T.
  • CenturyLink.
  • China Telecom.
  • Cogent.
  • Deutsche Telekom.
  • NTT.
  • Orange.
  • Sprint.
  • Tata.
  • Verizon Business.

How network service providers work

An ISP can purchase wholesale bandwidth from an NSP, which provides connectivity for their customers. Customers then access the network through their ISP's last-mile infrastructure, which, in turn, connects to the NSP's backbone.

From there, the NSP routes all traffic and provides the infrastructure needed for network connectivity. The NSP builds, maintains and expands its infrastructure to meet traffic demands. The ISP is responsible for its own network, sales, marketing and customer service. ISPs can also purchase other services from an NSP -- such as cloud-based services or Web hosting -- that are sold to the end customer under the ISP's brand name, a strategy known as white labeling.

This was last updated in March 2023

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What is network service provider (NSP)? | Definition from TechTarget (2024)

FAQs

What is network service provider (NSP)? | Definition from TechTarget? ›

A network service provider (NSP) is a company that owns, operates and sells access to Internet backbone

backbone
A backbone or core network is a part of a computer network which interconnects networks, providing a path for the exchange of information between different LANs or subnetworks. A backbone can tie together diverse networks in the same building, in different buildings in a campus environment, or over wide areas.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Backbone_network
infrastructure and services. The primary customers of NSPs are other service providers, including internet service providers (ISPs), which, in turn, sell internet access to businesses and consumers.

What is a NSP network? ›

A business entity that provides or sells services such as network access and bandwidth by allowing access into its backbone infrastructure or access to its network access points (NAP), which consequently also means access to the Internet.

What are the responsibilities of internet service provider ISP network service provider NSP? ›

The NSP builds, maintains and expands its infrastructure to meet traffic demands. The ISP is responsible for its own network, sales, marketing and customer service. ISPs can also purchase other services from an NSP, such as cloud-based services or Web hosting.

What is the meaning of network provider? ›

network provider in British English

(ˈnɛtˌwɜːk prəˈvaɪdə ) noun. telecommunications. a business or organization that provides customers with access to a telecommunications network (esp mobile phone networks) or to the internet.

Why is a network service provider important? ›

In our interconnected world, the seamless flow of information relies on the intricate web of network infrastructures provided by Network Service Providers (NSPs). These entities form the backbone of our digital experiences, enabling communication, data transfer, and connectivity on a global scale.

What does the network service provider do? ›

A network service provider (NSP) is a company that owns, operates and sells access to Internet backbone infrastructure and services. The primary customers of NSPs are other service providers, including internet service providers (ISPs), which, in turn, sell internet access to businesses and consumers.

What is an example of a service provider? ›

Although a service provider can be a sub-unit of the organization that it serves, it is usually a third-party or outsourced supplier. Examples include telecommunications service providers (TSPs), application service providers (ASPs), storage service providers (SSPs), and internet service providers (ISPs).

What does an Internet service provider ISP do? ›

ISPs make it possible for customers to access the internet while also providing additional services such as email, domain registration and web hosting. ISPs may also provide different internet connection types, such as cable and fiber. Connections can also come in the form of high-speed broadband or non-broadband.

What are the two main functions of an Internet service provider ISP? ›

Key Takeaways

An Internet service provider (ISP) is a company that provides web access to businesses and consumers. ISPs may also provide other services such as email services, domain registration, web hosting, and browser services.

How do I connect to my network provider? ›

Manually select your network providers

Open Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network operators.

What is my network provider name? ›

You can follow the below steps to know “who is my ISP”: Open your browser. Visit www.ipcheck.org or IP Lookup Tool. Your ISP will be displayed below your IP Address.

What is the difference between carrier and network provider? ›

A carrier network is the technology that companies use to help you connect to the internet or cellular data. Meanwhile, a service provider is the company that grants you access to the carrier network.

What are service providers used for? ›

A service provider is an individual or entity that provides services to another party. The provision of services between a service provider and a company is typically governed by a service agreement.

What are the essential roles of network service providers? ›

The Role of Network Service Providers in Connectivity

They ensure efficient and reliable internet connectivity across different geographical locations. Additionally, they often provide services to ISPs (Internet Service Providers), offering internet services to end-users.

What is the use of network services? ›

Network services are applications at the network application layer that connect users working in offices, branches, or remote locations to applications and data in a network. These services typically run on servers.

What is the Nsfnet network? ›

The National Science Foundation Network (NSFNET) was a program created and funded by the National Science Foundation to coordinate and promote advanced research and education in networking in the United States. NSFNET served as a hub providing access to the five university based super computer centers created by NSF.

What is NSP data? ›

U.S. National Data

National Sales Perspectives (NSP): Measures dollar and unit sales for pharmaceutical products across multiple distribution channels, including retail, mail, and non-retail.

What is nsp in banking? ›

Answer and Explanation: The term of NSP is the abbreviation for Non-Standard Payee in an account statement, which is used for the account at CBS branch of the UCO Bank.

What is NSP in business? ›

Not Separately Priced. This is an acronym used in contracts for an item that is not separately priced (NSP), but the price is included in the unit price of another contract line item.

References

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