network access point (NAP)

The Network Access Point(NAP) is the network access point at which an Internet Service Provider( ISP) is connected to the Internet backbone of an international carrier.

At the NAP access point, the ISP provider's data packets are fed into the carrier network. Various service providers as well as large customers can connect to the network access point.

The term Network Access Point originates from the United States and denotes the opening of the Internet backbone to Internet service providers.