Self-Hosting Internet: Possibility and Reality

Can you access the internet without a traditional Internet Service Provider (ISP)? How does having your own modem impact your connectivity? This article delves into these questions and discusses the nuanced landscape of self-hosting internet.

The Role of an ISP in Internet Access

No, you cannot access the internet without an ISP even if you own your own modem. An ISP is essential for providing the infrastructure necessary to connect your local network to the broader internet network. Here's a brief overview of how it works:

Internet Service Provider (ISP): You need to subscribe to an ISP that provides internet access in your area. They supply the necessary infrastructure to connect you to the internet. Modem: Your modem acts as a bridge between your home network and the ISPs network. It converts the signals from your ISP into a format that your devices can use. Router: If you want to connect multiple devices to the internet, you typically use a router. Some modems have built-in routers.

While having your own modem is important, you still need an ISP to provide internet access.

Possibilities: Accessing the Internet Without a Traditional ISP

Despite the necessity of a traditional ISP, it is possible to have an internet connection without going through a traditional ISP. There are several alternative methods and technologies that make this possible, including:

Wireless Internet Services: Technologies like Wi-Fi hotspots, public Wi-Fi networks, and personal hotspots can provide internet access without a traditional ISP. MESH Networks: Mesh networks enable the creation of self-organizing networks where multiple devices can share their internet connection. This allows for a decentralized and more robust network structure. Community Networks: These are community-led networks that provide internet access to local residents. They often rely on open-source technologies and community contributions. Satellite Internet: This involves using satellites to transmit and receive internet data. Companies like EDSAT offer alternatives to traditional ISPs. Excitel: Providers like Excitel, known for offering consistent and reliable internet services, do not have any Fair Use Policies (FUP) limits on their plans.

Self-Built Internet Infrastructure: An Alternative

The previous narrative highlights a unique situation where the author has effectively built their own internet infrastructure. Here's what they did:

First, they needed to set up a trunk line to connect their data center to a main hub. This required significant investment, as they paid a premium to run this connection. Because the data center is located just below the main hub, they were able to negotiate a bargain for the trunk line installation.

Next, they had to run a cable from their data center to their home, spanning approximately 10-20km. Here, they invested in a team to lay the cable and ensure its reliability. If the line were to fail, it would be their sole responsibility to fix it.

To ensure everything works smoothly, a fully functional data center was set up. This data center housed essential equipment such as DNS servers and routing systems, which are critical for managing the internet traffic. The author noted that while these systems benefit the community, they are not solely for personal use.

To offset the high costs and ensure a return on investment, the author added a few server racks to their data center. These were used to host rentable servers. The servers were preloaded with operating systems and pre-configured for remote access, simplifying the setup for customers. These servers were predominantly used for hosting game servers, such as Minecraft Java. Additionally, the data center housed personal servers that store legally grey content. While the software itself isn't illegal, it can be used for criminal activities in the wrong hands.

The author also noted being a breach specialist hacker, which explains their bad reputation with local ISPs. However, this unique setup allows them to have the fastest internet in their city. They also monetize this internet by sharing their connection with about 12 neighbors for a small fee, which further defrays the costs and provides additional income.

While this approach is undoubtedly challenging and expensive, the author finds it worthwhile due to the level of control and autonomy provided.