In internet routing, two primary strategies often come up in discussion: best path routing and least cost routing. While they may sound similar, these approaches can lead to significantly different outcomes for internet service providers (ISPs) and their customers. In this post, we’ll explore the differences between these routing methods and take a closer look at how Exascale, a UK-based ISP, utilises best path routing to optimise its network performance.
Understanding Best Path and Least Cost Routing
Least Cost Routing
Least cost routing, as the name suggests, prioritises the cheapest path for data to travel from source to destination. This method considers factors such as peering agreements, transit costs, and connection fees to determine the most economical route for data packets.
Best Path Routing
Best path routing, on the other hand, focuses on finding the most efficient and reliable path for data transmission. This approach takes into account factors such as latency, packet loss, bandwidth, and overall network performance to determine the optimal route.
The Exascale Approach: Embracing Best Path Routing
Exascale (AS61049), a UK-based ISP known for its high-performance network, has made a strategic decision to implement best path routing. This choice aligns with their commitment to delivering superior internet connectivity to their customers.
Why Exascale Chose Best Path Routing
- Performance Priority: By focusing on the best path rather than the cheapest, Exascale ensures that data takes the most efficient route, minimising latency and maximising throughput.
- Reliability: Best path routing often results in more stable connections, as it can dynamically adjust to network conditions and avoid congested or problematic routes.
- Customer Satisfaction: For Exascale’s target market, which includes businesses and users who require high-performance internet, the benefits of best path routing translate directly into improved user experience.
- Long-term Cost Efficiency: While best path routing may not always choose the cheapest route in the short term, the improved performance and reliability can lead to higher customer retention and reduced support costs in the long run.
Implementation and Results
Exascale implements best path routing through a combination of BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) optimisation and real-time network monitoring. Their network engineers continuously fine-tune routing policies to ensure optimal performance across their entire network.
According to Exascale’s network status page, this approach has resulted in consistently low latency and high uptime across their core network [1]. While specific performance metrics are not publicly available, customer testimonials on their website suggest high satisfaction with network speed and reliability [2].
Conclusion
While least cost routing may be attractive for ISPs looking to minimise immediate expenses, best path routing offers significant advantages in terms of performance and reliability. Exascale’s commitment to best path routing demonstrates a focus on quality of service over short-term cost savings, a strategy that appears to be paying off in terms of network performance and customer satisfaction.
For UK businesses and individuals seeking high-performance internet connectivity, understanding an ISP’s routing strategy can be a crucial factor in making an informed choice. Exascale’s approach serves as an example of how prioritising network quality through best path routing can deliver tangible benefits to end-users.
Sources:
- Exascale Network Status: https://status.exascale.co.uk/
- Exascale Customer Reviews: https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/www.exascale.co.uk
