Individuals connecting from home typically dial in to an internet service provider (ISP) using a modem over regular telephone lines. Once connected, you can send information or requests over the internet. You can requests a web page, for example, by typing its internet address (called a URL).
Data sent over the internet is divided into packets. Each packet has destination and origin information.
An Internet service provider (ISP) has a permanent connection to the internet and provides temporary connections to others for a fee. ISPs use lines leased from local telephone companies to connect to regional host computers.
Regional host computers are operated by National Internet Service providers. National ISPs consolidate local ISP traffic and provide connection to the Internet backbones, which are the fastest Internet communication lines. If necessary, the regional host computer routes data packets along different paths to their final destination.