How do ISPs work? [bandwidth bill = electricity bill]

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    Electricity Work
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the functioning of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and the financial transactions involved in providing internet access. Participants explore the technical aspects of how data is transmitted, the role of various components like modems and routers, and the implications of bandwidth usage in relation to costs incurred by ISPs.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that individuals pay ISPs for access to infrastructure that connects them to the internet, questioning what ISPs actually provide beyond physical connections.
  • Another participant raises the idea that the flow of electrons is modified by processors and asks whether the ISP's role is merely to direct this flow.
  • There is a discussion about the function of modems and routers, with one participant asserting that modems modify the flow of electrons while another emphasizes the importance of communication protocols.
  • Participants discuss the concept of bandwidth, with one noting that it refers to the physical capacity of a wire to support data transmissions and questioning how this relates to the costs charged by ISPs.
  • One participant proposes an analogy comparing the electric utility company to lungs, the modem to a voicebox, and the ISP's network to the air through which information is sent.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the role of ISPs, the nature of bandwidth, and the relationship between data transmission and electricity costs. No consensus is reached on these topics, and multiple competing perspectives remain present throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the definitions of bandwidth and the specific roles of various components in data transmission. The discussion includes assumptions about the relationship between electrical flow and data processing that are not fully resolved.

  • #31
Actually, that leads to a question of which ISPs do public libraries use? They are part of the government, so the question might became, what ISP does the government use?
EDIT: I apologize for calling ATT's business plan crony capitalism. Its just capitalism, crony doesn't fit in this context because ATT seems to be pushing ahead based on merit, not anything that could be considered dubious. However, I'm sure there will be some favoritism at play when ISPs begin to make exclusive deals with some web content providers over others.
 
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