An ISP has a number of functions.
1.) provides a gateway to the Internet by providing a dial-up, leased line, ISDN, or other data port for your use on a shared basis
2.) provides one or more internet addresses for your use while connected, and ensures proper routing for these addresses
Additionally, it may at your option:
3.) provide a mail gateway and one or more mail accounts
4.) provide WEB and/or FTP hosting
5.) provide Domain Name Service support
Services 3,4, &5 are logically related and should be purchased (if required) from the same ISP. It is recommended but not essential that the same ISP who provides services 1 & 2 also supply the others to you.
W.M. Pipher Consultants, in association with Computer Networking Gurus Inc., can provide complete ISP services to you and your LAN. However, it is NOT necessary to change your current ISP to W.M. Pipher Consultants / Computer Networking Gurus in order to have W.M. Pipher Consultants set-up your routed internet access. If you choose a different ISP for whatever reason, we can accommodate you with no problem anyway.
