Local ISPs can offer great service at lower prices because they do not have the overhead of maintaining a nationwide network. However, local ISPs are notorious for slow connections because they often sell more than they are equipped to handle. This can result in a T1 line with less throughput than an ISDN line. As with anything, it pays to shop carefully for an ISP, whether it is local or national. In addition to the connection charges, dedicated Internet access requires significant investment in network hardware.
Network routers direct traffic between different networks.
In this case an IP router such as Cisco Systems 2501 routes traffic between your LAN and the Internet. With a dedicated Internet connection, you will most likely be hosting your company's Web site, receiving and sending e-mail and allowing some or all of your employees to browse the Web. To accomplish this, most companies purchase at least one additional network server to act as Web server and e-mail gateway to the Internet. While a company's current server may be able to handle the extra load, security issues mandate the need for a separate machine. It would be very dangerous to connect a company's main server directly to the Internet.