Advantages of having a Public ASN

Internet Routing Traffic Evolution

In 1989, the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) was initially conceptualized to facilitate routing information exchange between independent IP networks, known as Autonomous Systems (AS). It gained widespread adoption in 1994 and remains a foundational element of the Internet. Without BGP, the Internet as we know it would not exist.

A key component of BGP is the Autonomous System, which consists of a group of IP networks managed by an operator under a unified routing policy. Each AS is identified by a unique Autonomous System Number (ASN).

ASNs can be classified as public or private. Private ASNs are limited to specific scenarios, such as internal networks, and do not appear in the global routing table. Public ASNs, on the other hand, enable global routing visibility.

Advantages of having a Public ASN

No Need to Change Your IP Range
Without a public ASN, you must depend on an upstream provider for IP addresses, which can lead to complications if you switch providers. If your current ISP is underperforming or overcharging, you may lose your assigned IP addresses, necessitating a network renumbering that can cause significant disruptions. With a public ASN, you can obtain your own Provider Independent IP address space, allowing you the freedom to choose your upstream ISP without renumbering.

Multi-Homing Capability
Having a public ASN allows for multi-homing, enabling connections to multiple Transit providers via BGP. This enhances the stability and redundancy of your network’s Internet connectivity.

Direct Peering at Internet Exchanges
A public ASN simplifies direct peering at Internet Exchange Points (IXPs). For instance, connecting to NL-ix in Amsterdam allows traffic exchange with nearly 550 global networks, offering greater flexibility, reduced reliance on upstream providers, better control over routing, lower latency, and enhanced security.

Requesting a Public ASN

Requesting a public ASN is a straightforward process, and NL-ix can assist you. Start by contacting one of the five Regional Internet Registries (RIRs):

• AFRINIC for Africa
• ARIN for North America
• APNIC for Asia-Pacific
• LACNIC for Latin America and the Caribbean
• RIPE NCC for Europe

NL-ix offers comprehensive services for ASN registration, Local Internet Registry (LIR) management, IP-space allocation, and BGP setup and support. With our assistance, you can effortlessly manage your own network—connecting or disconnecting parties, adjusting latency parameters, controlling quality, configuring routers, and addressing security challenges, regardless of your interconnection requirements.