ISP redirect page
Encyclopedia
An ISP redirect page is a page used by major ISPs including: Cox Communications
, Embarq
, Verizon, Rogers
, Earthlink
, and various others.
If a user types in an incorrect url (for example wikipedia.con instead of wikipedia.com), the ISP's DNS
server will catch this, and offer a suggestion on what the user might have meant.
(DNS) Resolution is the process of translating a domain name (for example: www.wikipedia.org) into an IP address
that computers can use. Every ISP runs a DNS server (usually many DNS servers) to help their customers translate domain names into IP addresses that computers understand and use. When an ISP's DNS server receives a request to translate a name, the DNS server returns the IP address back to the customer's computer and the customer's computer is then able to connect to the requested resource.
When the ISP's DNS server receives a request for a name that is not recognized or is unavailable, the DNS server returns the IP address of a search page to the client. When the client is using a web browser, this will display a search page that contains possible suggestions on the proper address and a small explanation of the error. These search pages often contain advertising that is paid to the ISP.
Sometimes, a customer can opt out of this service. Opt-out procedures vary from ISP to ISP in both their method of implementation and effectiveness. It's been said in various forums
that anyone who permanently wishes to opt-out of such services, should use a different DNS server.
Cox Communications
Cox Communications is a privately owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises providing digital cable television, telecommunications and wireless services in the United States...
, Embarq
Embarq
Embarq Corporation was the largest independent local exchange carrier in the United States , serving customers in 18 states and providing local, long distance, high-speed data and wireless services to residential and business customers...
, Verizon, Rogers
Rogers
-Places:Canada*Rogers Island *Rogers PassUnited States*Rogers, Arkansas*Rogers, California*Rogers, California, alternate name of Muroc, California*Rogers, Minnesota*Rogers, Nebraska*Rogers, Ohio*Rogers, Virginia*Rogers City, Michigan...
, Earthlink
EarthLink
EarthLink , is an Internet service provider headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. It claims 1.94 million subscribers.- Business :EarthLink provides a variety of Internet connection types, including dial-up, DSL, satellite, and cable. Both dial-up and high speed Internet access are available...
, and various others.
If a user types in an incorrect url (for example wikipedia.con instead of wikipedia.com), the ISP's DNS
Domain name system
The Domain Name System is a hierarchical distributed naming system for computers, services, or any resource connected to the Internet or a private network. It associates various information with domain names assigned to each of the participating entities...
server will catch this, and offer a suggestion on what the user might have meant.
How this works
Domain Name SystemDomain name system
The Domain Name System is a hierarchical distributed naming system for computers, services, or any resource connected to the Internet or a private network. It associates various information with domain names assigned to each of the participating entities...
(DNS) Resolution is the process of translating a domain name (for example: www.wikipedia.org) into an IP address
IP address
An Internet Protocol address is a numerical label assigned to each device participating in a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. An IP address serves two principal functions: host or network interface identification and location addressing...
that computers can use. Every ISP runs a DNS server (usually many DNS servers) to help their customers translate domain names into IP addresses that computers understand and use. When an ISP's DNS server receives a request to translate a name, the DNS server returns the IP address back to the customer's computer and the customer's computer is then able to connect to the requested resource.
When the ISP's DNS server receives a request for a name that is not recognized or is unavailable, the DNS server returns the IP address of a search page to the client. When the client is using a web browser, this will display a search page that contains possible suggestions on the proper address and a small explanation of the error. These search pages often contain advertising that is paid to the ISP.
Sometimes, a customer can opt out of this service. Opt-out procedures vary from ISP to ISP in both their method of implementation and effectiveness. It's been said in various forums
Internet forum
An Internet forum, or message board, is an online discussion site where people can hold conversations in the form of posted messages. They differ from chat rooms in that messages are at least temporarily archived...
that anyone who permanently wishes to opt-out of such services, should use a different DNS server.