What is the role of an Internet Service Provider (ISP)?

The role of an Internet Service Provider (ISP) is primarily to maintain a gateway to the Internet and provide internet access services to customers. ISPs facilitate the connection between end-users and the broader Internet by managing the infrastructure needed to deliver broadband, DSL, fiber, and other types of internet connections.

This includes ensuring network stability, speed, and availability. By renting access to this infrastructure, ISPs can serve individual users, businesses, and other organizations, allowing them to connect to websites, download content, and communicate online.

The other options do not align with the primary functions of an ISP. Creating internet protocols is generally the role of specialized organizations such as the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) rather than ISPs. Developing web applications is typically the responsibility of software developers or companies focused on application development. Hosting web servers exclusively for businesses is a specific service that can be offered by some ISPs, but it is not their core function, as ISPs cater to a broad range of needs beyond just hosting.