I have some questions about the roles of ISPs, DNS', how packets work, etc.

**For example:** What service do ISP's actually provide? I'm trying to categorically distinguish between transit ISPs and regular ISPs, Tier 1 networks, what an "IP backbone" is, what factors determines the "speed" of the internet outside cable type, length, and an ISP's arbitrary rate-limiting as per their consumer offerings (and not merely the speed that users receive, but the theoretical maximum speed). 

I looked at the [FAQ][1] for the various computer/programming-based SE sites (SO, programmers, IT security, server fault, theoretical CS, etc.) and this place seems the most appropriate, but I just wanted to make sure.

Thanks!


  [1]: http://superuser.com/faq