Network Access Point

What Does Network Access Point Mean?

A network access point (NAP) is a major point where internet service providers (ISPs) can connect with one another in peering arrangements. NAPs were central in the early days of the Internet when it was making the transition from a government-funded network to a commercial one.

Advertisements

Techopedia Explains Network Access Point

Originally there were four network access points in the Uniteds States. The National Science Foundation put out contracts for the NAPs as part of a transition from the National Science Foundation Network (NSFNet). The location of the four NAPs were Washington D.C., New Jersey, Chicago, and California. The modern day equivalent of a NAP is an internet exchange point (IXP).

Advertisements

Related Terms

Latest Internet Terms

Related Reading

Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…