When considering all of the aspects that are involved with internet connectivity, it is essential to understand some of the basic functionalities of the processes that power the internet. This can help you make better choices regarding your connectivity as well as ensure that you understand just how things work in the online world.
IP Transit
The internet is a series of smaller networks all linked together across the globe. The term “information superhighway” is a very appropriate metaphor, because you can consider each of these networks to be a road that connects people and places all across the world to one another. Just as you cannot have one road that leads directly to every other location for each spot on Earth, you cannot have a single line to every computer on the planet. IP transit describes how these networks all work together to share traffic, moving data across the world seamlessly. Each road connects to another, and another, until the “net” extends across the world.
IP Transport
If the internet is a system of roads, then IP transport is how we transport data from one place to another. Depending on what type of data you are moving, you may need to use different types of “vehicles.” You may be able to travel directly to your destination, or you may need to make multiple stops along the way. IP transport involves all the systems, devices, and processes that get your data from you to its final destination. An essential component of transport is bandwidth, or how many lanes there are on which your data can travel. Your transmission medium determines your bandwidth. The most common mediums are coaxial, fiber optic, and Cat5. All IP transport is ultimately governed by how much bandwidth you can use to move your data.
Dedicated Internet Access
To continue with our analogy just a bit further, dedicated internet access is like using your own lane or sharing the HOV lane on the highway. You are getting guaranteed access to a specific bandwidth for your data transmission. Using this type of high-quality internet connection is ideal for web-based applications or for executing business applications, as this “lane” is always available and always moving at your guaranteed speed.
While IP transit provides you with access to the internet beyond the scope of your own internet service provider (ISP) dedicated internet service can provide fewer issues with latency as well as increased reliability for those with larger bandwidth needs. Specialized businesses, such as financial trading, banking, and email services may require dedicated, and guaranteed internet speeds and bandwidth, and dedicated internet access may be the right choice.
