Guest Post From Glenn Kelley at Connectivity Engineer “Why ISPs Should Totally Rely on Google and CloudFlare for DNS (Wink, Wink)” Alright, folks, gather round as we explore the hilariously absurd notion that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) should shirk their responsibility and just use free DNS servers like Google’s or CloudFlare’s. This is the same as suggesting that a professional chef should ditch all the fancy kitchen gadgets and just use a microwave, because, well, it’s just cooking, right? 😉 1. Dependency is...
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If you are an ISP, run your own DNS resolvers
Glenn Kelley has a great article on spinning up your own DNS resolvers. This is a critical piece of infrastructure if you are in internet Service Provider (ISP). https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/making-dns-server-your-network-uses-root-hints-glenn-kelley As Glenn writes. Here’s why ISPs should consider running their own: This is especially important in high-latency networks such as in the 3rd world or some Fixed Wireless networks Conclusion While leveraging third-party DNS services like Google or Cloudflare offers a plug-and-play solution for ISPs, in the long run, it might be more beneficial...
Continue reading...Unpopular opinion: BGP should accept smaller than a /24
For years, we have heard of the depletion of IPv4 address space on the Internet. At the same time, more and more networks are coming online. Out of these new networks, we have an ever-increasing number wanting to participate in BGP routing. This can be for several reasons. The first is for what BGP was designed for autonomy. Companies are not at the mercy of a single provider for critical infrastructure. If you have ever had to switch providers with IP addresses from...
Continue reading...Internet Service Providers, latency, customers, and how it all fits together
I have noticed a trend regarding customers and latency in the Internet Service Provider (ISP) world. Those in the industry know all about customers and speed tests. Love or hate them, the speed test is a way of life for the ISP. I wrote an article a while back on the Problems with Speed Tests. As customers become more educated, they are now paying attention to latency. We have many of the issues with latency as we do with speed tests. First, let’s...
Continue reading...Understanding what is Ethernet Virtual Private Network ( EVPN )
Ethernet Virtual Private Network (EVPN) is designed to provide scalable and efficient data center interconnectivity. Built upon the foundation of traditional Ethernet, EVPN incorporates the best features of layer 2 and layer 3 protocols to create a flexible and secure network fabric. It offers seamless bridging and routing of traffic across data centers, making it ideal for modern applications that demand low latency and high availability. EVPN operates on the concept of a “control plane” and a “data plane.” The control plane handles...
Continue reading...How does the Domain Name System (DNS) works?
Over the years, I have written articles on Domain Name System (DNS) and how and why you should do certain things. I came across this DNS graphic this morning. Image Credit: @Rapid_API As you can see, a never-before-seen DNS request is sent to a resolver, then a root server, then a TLD server, then an authoritative server, and finally back to the client. All of this is done in milliseconds (ms). As old as DNS is, it still significantly impacts modern computer networks.
Continue reading...Problems with Borger Gateway Protocol (BGP)
Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is the Internet’s dominant inter-domain routing protocol, and as such, it is a critical component of the Internet’s infrastructure. However, BGP, like any other technology, has flaws. The following are some of the most common BGP issues: Some of the above issues are being addressed with RPKI, Routing Registries, and MANRS, to name a few. In conclusion, while BGP is a critical component of the Internet’s infrastructure, it is not without its challenges. Network operators and administrators need to...
Continue reading...Virtual Extensible LAN (VXLAN) overview
Virtual Extensible LAN (VXLAN) has emerged as a game changer in network virtualization. In this blog post, we’ll look closely at VXLAN and explore some of its key benefits. In summary, VXLAN is a potent technology that is altering how businesses view network virtualization. Organizations can virtualize their networks, support extensive networking, improve network security, and streamline network administration with VXLAN. VXLAN is a great option worth taking into consideration if you want to virtualize your network, lessen network congestion, or improve network...
Continue reading...What is a networking packet?
As we use the internet to send and receive data, it is crucial to understand the underlying mechanics that allow this to happen. One of the most fundamental components of this process is the packet. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at packets, how they are used on the internet, and why they are so important. In conclusion, packets are the heartbeat of the internet, playing a critical role in enabling the flow of data over the network. Whether you...
Continue reading...Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) overview
Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) is a widely used interior gateway routing protocol for Internet Protocol (IP) networks. OSPF is used by organizations to route traffic within their own networks, as well as between different networks. Here are some key points about OSPF: In conclusion, Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) is a widely used interior gateway routing protocol for IP networks. By using the SPF algorithm to determine the best routes for internet traffic, OSPF allows organizations to route traffic efficiently and reliably...
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