Audio Version: Border Gateway Protocol (BGP): How the Internet’s Routing Protocol Works

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Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is a protocol that makes the Capitl I Internet run. It is the fundamental system that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and large networks use to exchange reachability information and ensure data finds its way across the complex web of networks making up the global Internet.

Why Raw Speed in Your ISP Connection Is Not Everything

When choosing an internet service provider (ISP), many consumers focus solely on the advertised speed, measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps). While speed is undoubtedly important, it is far from the only factor that determines the quality of your internet experience. Here’s why raw speed is not everything when selecting … Read more

Why ISPs Should Prioritize Interconnection Over Raw Speed

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In the broadband industry, the race for higher speeds has dominated marketing campaigns and consumer expectations. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) continually tout gigabit speeds as the ultimate benchmark for quality. While speed is important, a more critical yet often overlooked aspect of internet performance is interconnection—the way ISPs connect and exchange traffic with other networks. … Read more

Private vs. Public Autonomous System Numbers (ASN): What’s the Difference?

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In the world of internet networking, Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs) play a crucial role in routing data efficiently between different networks. ASNs are unique identifiers assigned to Autonomous Systems (AS)—large networks or groups of IP addresses that operate under a single organization, such as ISPs, cloud providers, or large enterprises. However, not all ASNs are … Read more

Why Is East-West Traffic Important in ISP Networks?

The terms east-west traffic and north-south traffic are pivotal for understanding data flows. These concepts are not limited to data centers or enterprise networks; they also have significant implications in Internet Service Provider (ISP) networks. While ISPs primarily focus on external connectivity (north-south traffic), the importance of east-west traffic within their networks is growing as … Read more