ISP vs IP – Key Difference in Internet Technology

IP and ISP are two terms that are frequently used in the internet world. While IP refers to the Internet Protocol, which is a set of rules for governing data transmission on the internet, ISP refers to the Internet Service Provider, which is the company/organization that provides internet access to users.

In this blog post, we will explain the key difference between IP and ISP. If you are planning to become an internet service provider or are simply someone interested in understanding how the internet works, keep reading!

What is ISP?

ISP full form is Internet Service Provider. An ISP is a business or organization that provides internet services to its customers. It possesses an ISP license issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). Without this license, no business entity can provide internet services in India. The internet service provider license comes with a validity of 20 years from the date of issuance. 

An ISP can provide internet services at a national level, state level or in a secondary switching area depending on the exact ISP license category they possess. ISP A category license allows the internet provider to provide internet at national level, and is the most expensive ISP license out of all. 

ISP B category license allows the internet provider to provide state-level internet services, and is cheaper than ISP A category. ISP C category is the cheapest ISP certificate, and the ISP provider with this license can only provide internet services to users in a secondary switching area.

What is IP?

IP full form is Internet Protocol. IP refers to a set of rules that enables computers, mobile phones and other devices to communicate over the internet. Because of IP, the information sent from one device reaches the correct destination since it uses a unique set of numbers called IP addresses.

IP helps you to manage how the information travels when you browse websites, send emails or watch videos. It makes sure everything works smoothly. Internet protocol is an indispensable part of internet and computer networks. It is responsible for delivering packets of data from the source host to the destination host on the basis of their IP addresses.

An IP address is assigned to each device connected to a network, and serves as a home address for the device. It allows other devices to locate and send messages to it and provides them the addressing and routing mechanisms required for their communications.

Internet Protocol and the Internet Control Message Protocol operate together to notify senders of packet delivery problems by sending operational information and error messages (such as destination unreachable and echo requests). IP is a connectionless protocol that enables more flexible and effective data transmission than other protocols since it does not create a connection before sending data. 

ISP vs IP: Table of Differentiation 

The difference between ISP and IP can be easily understood with the help of the following table:

Conclusion

For accessing the internet, both IP and ISP play an important role. ISPs are responsible for ensuring that the users get access to the internet, while IP is responsible for ensuring data arrives at the right destination. If you want to become an ISP, you need to secure an ISP certificate from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). For securing this certificate in a smooth and effortless way, connect with ISP consultants at Registrationwala for assistance. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is IP?

A. Internet protocol (IP) is a set of rules that govern how the data gets sent and received across the internet.

Q2. Who issues ISP license in India?

A. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issues ISP license to businesses in India.

Q3. Which ISP certificate do I need to provide internet services at a national level?

A. You need ISP Certificate - Category A to provide internet services at a national level.

Q4. Why is IP address important?

A. IP address is important because it acts as a unique identifier for devices on a network and enables them to communicate and access the internet.

Q5. Can an individual secure ISP certification?

A. No, an individual cannot secure an ISP certification. To secure it, you need to establish a company under Companies Act 2013. 

Q6. What are the benefits of becoming an ISP?

A. By becoming an ISP, you will have the chance to earn income by offering internet services, help to meet the growing demand for connectivity, and have control over your network and how your customers experience it.

Q7. What is the benefit of internet protocol?

A. The benefit of internet protocol is that it allows the devices to communicate over the internet by defining rules for addressing, routing, and delivering data between systems.

Author: Manish Kumar

I’m Manish Kumar, a content management specialist. I simplify complex financial and regulatory topics into clear, insightful content. As a regular contributor to the Registrationwala portal, I provide updates on finance, Tax, government schemes, compliance, and other incorporation information. My goal is to keep you informed about key industry developments and their impact.