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…

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…

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…

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 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…

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…

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…

NetFlow and sFlow are powerful technologies that enable the collection of network traffic data, providing deep insights into traffic patterns, performance, and security for domain operators. These tools are instrumental in domain analytics, helping organizations monitor, optimize, and secure their networks. By collecting and analyzing flow data, domain operators can gain visibility into how traffic…

DNS-based routing decisions play a critical role in modern internet architecture, enabling dynamic and intelligent traffic management based on various parameters such as user location, server availability, and network performance. The Domain Name System (DNS) is a fundamental component of the internet, translating human-readable domain names into IP addresses. However, beyond its primary function of…

Route servers have become a critical component of the global internet’s interconnection infrastructure, transforming how networks exchange traffic at internet exchange points (IXPs) and beyond. By acting as centralized facilitators for route sharing, route servers simplify peering relationships, reduce administrative complexity, and enhance the efficiency of traffic exchange. As the internet continues to grow in…