Category: Routing and Peering

Route leaks and BGP hijacks are two distinct but closely related phenomena in the realm of internet routing. Both involve anomalies in the operation of the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), the protocol responsible for interconnecting autonomous systems (ASes) and directing traffic across the internet. While the two terms are often used interchangeably by those less…

Domain reachability issues can be frustrating for users and critical for businesses, as they disrupt access to websites, applications, and services. Troubleshooting such issues requires a comprehensive understanding of the components involved in routing and DNS, as well as a methodical approach to diagnosing and resolving problems. These issues can stem from a wide range…

The Domain Name System, or DNS, is often perceived as a fundamental yet auxiliary service in the vast world of networking. For routing enthusiasts, DNS might initially appear peripheral, a layer removed from the direct manipulation of packet flows or the configuration of BGP neighbors. However, understanding DNS is essential for anyone seeking a holistic…

The internet operates as a vast and interconnected network of networks, and at the heart of this connectivity lies the interplay between peering and transit. These two mechanisms are fundamental to how data flows across the globe, defining relationships between networks, determining costs, and shaping the architecture of the modern internet. For anyone involved in…

The global internet is built upon a complex hierarchy of interconnected networks, each playing a distinct role in ensuring seamless data flow between users and destinations. Internet Service Providers, or ISPs, are fundamental to this structure and are classified into three tiers based on their scope, relationships, and reach: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier…

Redundancy in routing is a cornerstone of a robust and reliable network infrastructure, ensuring the continuous flow of data even in the face of failures, congestion, or other disruptions. In an increasingly interconnected world where businesses, governments, and individuals rely on the internet for critical services, the importance of redundancy cannot be overstated. For network…

Peering disputes represent one of the more contentious and impactful dynamics in the world of internet interconnection. These disputes, arising from disagreements between networks over the terms of traffic exchange, have far-reaching consequences that ripple across the broader internet ecosystem. One of the most significant, yet often overlooked, areas affected by peering disputes is the…

Peering policies are a critical aspect of managing interconnection relationships in the intricate ecosystem of the internet. These policies govern how networks exchange traffic with one another, balancing technical requirements, economic considerations, and strategic goals. A well-crafted peering policy is essential for ensuring stability, performance, and scalability while avoiding potential conflicts or inefficiencies. For network…

Internet Route Registries, or IRRs, are a critical component of the global internet routing ecosystem. These databases serve as repositories where network operators publish information about their routing policies, Autonomous System (AS) numbers, and IP address allocations. By providing a centralized and standardized means of sharing routing data, IRRs play a vital role in ensuring…

The global internet is sustained by a complex web of interconnections, with peering serving as a critical mechanism for exchanging traffic between networks. Within the realm of peering, two primary approaches dominate: private peering and public peering. Each method has distinct advantages, challenges, and implications for network performance, scalability, and cost. Understanding the differences between…