Latency and jitter are critical factors influencing the performance and reliability of DNS queries, and their effects are often felt in ways that ripple through the broader internet ecosystem. As the foundation of domain name resolution, DNS is the first step in nearly every online interaction, translating human-readable domain names into machine-usable IP addresses. Even…

Distributed Denial of Service, or DDoS, attacks are among the most disruptive threats to modern network operations, capable of overwhelming systems and rendering critical services unavailable. These attacks flood a target with excessive traffic, exhausting its bandwidth, processing capacity, or both. To mitigate the impact of such attacks, network operators employ a variety of strategies,…

Monitoring the health of routing systems is a fundamental aspect of managing modern networks, ensuring that data flows seamlessly and securely between endpoints. As the backbone of internet connectivity, routing involves complex interactions between protocols, devices, and networks. A well-monitored routing environment enables network operators to detect anomalies, maintain performance, and mitigate risks such as…

Traffic engineering via BGP, or Border Gateway Protocol, is a critical technique for optimizing the flow of traffic across the complex networks that make up the internet. As the primary protocol for inter-domain routing, BGP provides network operators with powerful tools to influence path selection and manage how traffic enters and exits their networks. By…

Peering at Internet Exchange Points, or IXPs, is a critical activity in the realm of networking and interconnection. By facilitating the direct exchange of traffic between multiple networks, IXPs reduce costs, improve latency, and enhance the overall efficiency of internet communication. For network operators and peering coordinators, the process of establishing peering at an IXP…

Anycast DNS is a cornerstone technology for delivering fast, reliable, and resilient domain name resolution services. By leveraging the principles of anycast routing, DNS operators can route user queries to the nearest or most optimal DNS server based on network conditions and geographic proximity. This approach significantly reduces latency, enhances redundancy, and improves the overall…

Border Gateway Protocol, or BGP, is often the focal point of discussions about routing in the context of peering and inter-domain connectivity. However, the broader routing ecosystem includes numerous protocols that play critical roles within networks, ensuring efficient, reliable, and scalable data movement. These protocols operate at different levels of the routing hierarchy and serve…

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…

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…

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…