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

The primary function of an Internet Service Provider (ISP) is to offer internet connectivity and provide an IP address to users. ISPs act as intermediaries that connect individual users and businesses to the internet. They deliver internet access through various technologies such as DSL, cable, fiber optics, or satellite connections, allowing users to browse the web, send emails, and engage in online activities.

In addition to providing access, ISPs also assign IP addresses, which are essential for identifying devices on the network and enabling them to communicate with other devices on the internet. This role is fundamental to how the internet operates, as without an IP address, devices cannot send or receive information online.

The other options, while related to aspects of web services, do not encapsulate the primary responsibility of an ISP. Web hosting services involve storing and serving websites, creating internet protocols involves technical standards for data transmission but isn't a direct service provided to end users, and designing web pages pertains to web development, which is outside the scope of what an ISP typically offers.