Routing Protocols

Autonomous System (AS)

1. What is an Autonomous System?

An Autonomous System (AS) is a group of IP networks operated by one or more network operator/s which has a single and clearly defined external routing policy. Exterior routing protocols are used to exchange routing information between Autonomous Systems.

2.When should an Autonomous System be created?

An AS needs to be created if a network connects to more than one AS with different routing policies. Some common examples of Autonomous Systems are networks connected to two or more upstream service providers or exchange points, networks peering locally at exchange points.

3.What is an Autonomous System Number?

A public AS has a globally unique number, an Autonomous System number (ASN), associated with it; this number is used in both the exchange of exterior routing information (between neighboring Autonomous Systems), and as an identifier of the AS itself.

There are two types of Autonomous System numbers; Public AS numbers and Private AS numbers.

4.When is a Public Autonomous System number required?

A Public AS number is required only when an AS is exchanging routing information with other Autonomous Systems on the public Internet. That is, all routes originating from an AS is visible on the Internet.

5. Am I eligible for a Public Autonomous System Number?

An organisation is eligible for an ASN assignment if it:

is multihomed (this includes organisations connected to a public Internet Exchange Point); and
has a single, clearly defined routing policy that is different from its providers’ routing policies.

An organisation will also be eligible if it can demonstrate that it will meet the above criteria upon receiving an ASN (or within a reasonably short time thereafter).

6. When can I use a Private Autonomous System number?

A Private AS number should be used if an AS is only required to communicate via BGP with a single provider. As the routing policy between the AS and the provider will not be visible in the Internet, a Private AS Number can be used for this purpose.

The IANA has reserved AS64512 through to AS65535 to be used as private ASNs.

7. I plan to change my upstream providers – can I take my ASN with me?

This depends on how you received that ASN. If you got it directly from APNIC or an NIR, then it is portable and you can take it with you to whichever providers you choose (subject to the agreement you signed with APNIC or the NIR).

However if got your ASN from an LIR, you can only use it while you continue to receive connectivity from the LIR. In other words, if you decide to no longer use that LIR as one of your upstream providers, then you will have to return the ASN.

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What is the difference between OSPF and RIP?

RIP and OSPF are both routing protocols likely you have used without even knowing it. A routing protocol describes the way your data (or signals) get from your PC on a network to another PC or device on the network.

RIP = Hop count Algorithm

The only metric used to calculate the cost of a path (path is from point A to destination B) is the hop count from router A to router B, even if you have a path with more hops and more bandwidth available.

OSPF = Link State Algorithm

This is a more intelligent algorithm, tha build a topology of network and build the cost regarding some characteristics of path like bandwidth, load, reliability, etc.A real life example would be like when work is done and its time to drive home. You have multiple routes usually to choose from to get home. The shortest way home would obviously be a straight line from work to home. Unfortunately no magic road exists from where ever you are directly to where ever you need to go. So if you were using RIP to get home you would drive in a straight line (or take the roads that would more or less offer you a straight route home). Thing is, these roads may be BUSY, very busy in fact, you can sit in traffic for a half hour moving less than 1km sometimes. So technically the shortest way (straight line) may not be the most efficient way. Now if you were using OSPF, you would take into account traffic and other variables to decide how to get home. The quickest route home may not be the direct path, it may be a back road that has less traffic on it, through a sub division, and then to your house. However because you were using OSPF you got home quicker than if you were to use RIP as RIP didn’t really look at what the traffic was like. Now in the above paragraph turn the word “work” into “client” and the word “home” into “server” and replace the word “you” with “the packet” – magically we turn the above paragraph into tecnobabble