Internet Hierarchy

Internet
Mobile
network • The internet is a network of
networks
Global
ISP • Nodes may be
• routers, which forward data
• hosts or end systems
Home
• PC, server, mobile device
network
Regional
• Nodes are connected by
ISP
communication links
• fiber, copper, radio, satellite
Institutional
network
PC base station
or access point

server wired link

ISP: internet service provider mobile device router

 Rough Hierarchy
Tier-1 ISPs
• provide
Tier 1 ISP
global/national
coverage
• e.g., Verizon,
Tier 1 ISP Tier 1 ISP Sprint, AT&T,
China Telecom
• treat each other
as equals
 Rough Hierarchy
Tier-2 ISPs
Tier-2 ISP Tier-2 ISP • provide regional
Tier 1 ISP coverage
Tier-2 ISP • customers of
Tier 1 ISP Tier 1 ISP Tier-1 ISPs
Tier-2 ISP Tier-2 ISP
• may also link
privately with
each other
 Rough Hierarchy
local
ISP
Tier 3 local Tier-3 and local
ISP ISP ISPs
Tier-2 ISP Tier-2 ISP
• provide “last-hop”
Tier 1 ISP connection
Tier-2 ISP • closest to end
Tier 1 ISP Tier 1 ISP
systems

Tier-2 ISP Tier-2 ISP

• customers of
local
higher tier ISPs
local
ISP
local
ISP ISP
local
ISP
to get internet
access
Data flows through many networks

local Tier 3 local

ISP ISP ISP
Tier-2 ISP Tier-2 ISP

Tier 1 ISP

Tier-2 ISP

Tier 1 ISP Tier 1 ISP

Tier-2 ISP Tier-2 ISP

local local
local local
ISP ISP
ISP ISP