Category: Routing and Peering

Routing loops are a disruptive phenomenon in network routing that can significantly affect the performance, reliability, and accessibility of domains. They occur when packets are caught in a continuous cycle between routers, unable to reach their intended destination. This endless circulation wastes bandwidth, overburdens network infrastructure, and causes delays or outright failure in delivering data.…

BGP Looking Glass data provides an invaluable window into the operations of Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), offering network engineers and operators a real-time view of how routes are propagated and perceived across the internet. This data is sourced from BGP routers that serve as “looking glasses,” enabling external access to routing information without requiring direct…

Community-led peering initiatives represent a collaborative effort to improve internet connectivity, performance, and accessibility through shared resources and cooperative interconnection. These initiatives often emerge from grassroots efforts by network operators, internet service providers (ISPs), content delivery networks (CDNs), and other stakeholders to address challenges in network performance, reduce costs, and promote a more decentralized and…

The Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) has served as the backbone of internet routing for decades, enabling autonomous systems (ASes) to exchange routing information and maintain global connectivity. While BGP has proven its robustness and scalability over time, its limitations have become increasingly evident as the internet evolves. Issues such as slow convergence, lack of inherent…

Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) are a cornerstone of modern internet infrastructure, designed to improve the speed, reliability, and scalability of content delivery to users across the globe. CDNs achieve this by distributing content across a network of strategically located servers, ensuring that data is delivered from the nearest or most optimal location to the end…

The routing infrastructure of the internet is a critical component of global connectivity, enabling the seamless exchange of data across billions of devices and networks. At its core, routing infrastructure relies on protocols like the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) to manage the flow of traffic between autonomous systems (ASes). While the system has proven remarkably…

DNS forwarding and resolver peering are critical components of the Domain Name System (DNS) architecture, offering enhanced efficiency, scalability, and flexibility for DNS resolution. These mechanisms enable DNS servers to cooperate and optimize query handling, reducing latency and improving the reliability of domain name resolution. Understanding how DNS forwarding and resolver peering work, as well…

Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) are vital components of the internet’s infrastructure, providing a centralized location for networks to exchange traffic efficiently. At the heart of many IXPs are route servers, a crucial technology that simplifies and optimizes the process of interconnection among participating networks. Route servers streamline the exchange of routing information, enabling participants to…

Load balancing and BGP failover are two distinct yet complementary techniques used in network routing and infrastructure management to ensure high availability, reliability, and optimal performance. Each approach addresses specific challenges in managing traffic flows, and understanding their differences, strengths, and limitations is critical for designing robust networks. While both aim to maintain seamless connectivity…

Community-based routing policies represent a collaborative and dynamic approach to managing internet traffic across interconnected networks. These policies leverage the flexibility of BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) communities to enable network operators to define and enforce sophisticated routing behaviors. By sharing routing preferences, restrictions, and intentions through the use of community tags, networks can achieve improved…