<Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> The examples and perspective in this section may not represent a worldwide view of the subject . You may improve this article, discuss the issue on the talk page, or create a new article, as appropriate . (September 2011) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> The examples and perspective in this section may not represent a worldwide view of the subject . You may improve this article, discuss the issue on the talk page, or create a new article, as appropriate . (September 2011) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> Because of the enormous overlap between long - distance telephone networks and backbone networks, the largest long - distance voice carriers such as AT&T Inc., MCI (Acquired in 2006 by Verizon), Sprint, and CenturyLink also own some of the largest Internet backbone networks . These backbone providers sell their services to Internet service providers (ISPs). </P> <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>

Where is the internet's central hub located