<P> Each ISP has its own contingency network and is equipped with an outsourced backup . These networks are intertwined and crisscrossed to create a redundant network . Many companies operate their own backbones which are all interconnected at various Internet exchange points (IXPs) around the world . In order for data to navigate this web, it is necessary to have backbone routers, which are routers powerful enough to handle information on the Internet backbone and are capable of directing data to other routers in order to send it to its final destination . Without them, information would be lost . </P> <P> The largest providers, known as tier 1 providers, have such comprehensive networks that they never purchase transit agreements from other providers . As of 2014 there were seven tier 1 providers in the telecommunications industry . Current Tier 1 carriers include CenturyLink, Telia Carrier, NTT, Cogent, Level 3, GTT, and Tata Communications . </P> <P> Backbone providers of roughly equivalent market share regularly create agreements called peering agreements, which allow the use of another's network to hand off traffic where it is ultimately delivered . Usually they do not charge each other for this, as the companies get revenue from their customers regardless . </P> <P> Backbone providers of unequal market share usually create agreements called transit agreements, and usually contain some type of monetary agreement . </P>

You can directly connect to a national backbone provider from your home computer