In the world of internet connectivity, the path your data takes can significantly impact performance. One crucial concept in this realm is the ASN path. Let’s delve into what ASN paths are, why shorter paths are more performant, and how Exascale leverages this principle for superior network performance.
What is an ASN Path?
An ASN (Autonomous System Number) path represents the route that data packets travel through different networks to reach their destination. Each ASN is a unique identifier assigned to a network or group of networks under a single administrative domain[^1]. When data travels across the internet, it often passes through multiple ASNs, forming an ASN path.
The Performance Benefits of Shorter ASN Paths
Shorter ASN paths are generally more performant for several reasons:
- Reduced Latency: Fewer hops between networks mean less time spent in transit, resulting in lower latency[^2].
- Improved Reliability: With fewer intermediary networks, there’s less chance of encountering congestion or failures along the route.
- Better Control: Shorter paths often indicate more direct relationships between networks, allowing for better traffic management and optimisation.
Exascale’s Approach to Optimising ASN Paths
Exascale has implemented strategies to ensure shorter ASN paths for its customers, resulting in improved network performance:
Extensive Peering Relationships
Exascale maintains a large number of public and private peering arrangements. Peering allows direct exchange of traffic between networks, bypassing intermediate providers and shortening ASN paths[^3].
- Public Peering: Exascale participates in numerous Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), facilitating direct connections with multiple networks simultaneously.
- Private Peering: Direct connections with other networks outside of IXPs further reduce the need for transit providers.
Connectivity to Tier 1 Operators
In addition to peering, Exascale maintains robust connections to large Tier 1 operators. These are networks that can reach every other network on the internet without purchasing transit[^4]. This connectivity ensures that even when traffic needs to travel beyond Exascale’s direct peers, it can often do so with minimal additional hops.
The Result: Enhanced Performance for Exascale Customers
By combining extensive peering with strategic Tier 1 connections, Exascale significantly shortens ASN paths for its customers’ traffic. This approach yields several benefits:
- Lower latency for improved responsiveness
- Enhanced reliability and stability
- Better control over traffic routing and optimisation
In an era where milliseconds matter, Exascale’s focus on optimising ASN paths translates to a tangible competitive advantage for businesses relying on fast, reliable internet connectivity.
[^1]: IANA – Autonomous System (AS) Numbers
[^2]: Cloudflare – What is network latency?
[^3]: APNIC – The basics of peering
[^4]: Cloudflare – What is a Tier 1 network?
