BGP - A possible reason behind the recent disappearance of #facebook #instagram & #whatsapp from the internet.
What is BGP ?
#facebookoutage #networking
A Thread 👇
What is BGP ?
#facebookoutage #networking
A Thread 👇
BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) is the routing method that enables the Internet to function. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to do a Google search or send an email. 
What is network routing?
“The name of a resource indicates what we seek, an address indicates where it is, and a route tells us how to get there”.
- John F. Shoch
“The name of a resource indicates what we seek, an address indicates where it is, and a route tells us how to get there”.
- John F. Shoch
What is autonomous system (AS) in networking?
The autonomous systems are d big networks that make up d Internet. More specifically, an AS is a large network or group of networks that has a unified routing policy. Every device that connects to the Internet is connected to an AS.
The autonomous systems are d big networks that make up d Internet. More specifically, an AS is a large network or group of networks that has a unified routing policy. Every device that connects to the Internet is connected to an AS.
Who Operates BGP Autonomous Systems?
An AS can be an Internet Service Provider, a university or an entire corporate network, including multiple locations (IP addresses). Each AS is represented by a unique number called an ASN.
An AS can be an Internet Service Provider, a university or an entire corporate network, including multiple locations (IP addresses). Each AS is represented by a unique number called an ASN.
How Does BGP Work?
BGP, is the postal help of the Internet. At the point when somebody drops a letter into a post box, the postal help measures that piece of mail and picks a quick, effective course to convey that letter to its beneficiary.
BGP, is the postal help of the Internet. At the point when somebody drops a letter into a post box, the postal help measures that piece of mail and picks a quick, effective course to convey that letter to its beneficiary.
For example, When a user in Singapore loads a website with origin servers in Argentina, BGP is the protocol that enables that communication to happen quickly and efficiently.
Imagine BGP as a bunch of people making and updating maps that show you how to get to YouTube or Facebook.
Why BGP is required?
BGP is responsible for directing packets on the fastest route to their destination. Without BGP, IP packets would bounce around the Internet randomly from AS to AS, like a driver trying to reach their destination by guessing which roads to take.
BGP is responsible for directing packets on the fastest route to their destination. Without BGP, IP packets would bounce around the Internet randomly from AS to AS, like a driver trying to reach their destination by guessing which roads to take.
How do AS connect wid each other?
ASes connect wid each other & exchange nw traffic thru a process called peering. One way ASes peer wid each other is by connecting at physical locations called Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) (A large LAN wid lots of routers, switches & cabling.
ASes connect wid each other & exchange nw traffic thru a process called peering. One way ASes peer wid each other is by connecting at physical locations called Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) (A large LAN wid lots of routers, switches & cabling.
Characteristics of BGP:
1. Inter-autonomous System Configuration
2. Supports Next-hop Paradigm
3. Coordination Among Multiple BGP Speakers Within an AS
4. Path Information
5. Policy Support
6. Runs Over TCP
7. Conserves Network bw
8. Supports CIDR & Security
1. Inter-autonomous System Configuration
2. Supports Next-hop Paradigm
3. Coordination Among Multiple BGP Speakers Within an AS
4. Path Information
5. Policy Support
6. Runs Over TCP
7. Conserves Network bw
8. Supports CIDR & Security
What went wrong with Facebook?
As per FB's engg update, the issue was caused by “config changes on d backbone routers that coordinate nw traffic b/n our data centers.” That then led to a “cascading effect on the way [FB's] DC's communicate, bringing its services to a halt.”
As per FB's engg update, the issue was caused by “config changes on d backbone routers that coordinate nw traffic b/n our data centers.” That then led to a “cascading effect on the way [FB's] DC's communicate, bringing its services to a halt.”
IS DNS the culprit?
DNS tells you where you’re going, and BGP tells you how to get there. DNS is how computers know what IP addr a website or other resource can be found at, but that knowledge itself isn’t helpful. (Cloudflare)
"BGP hijacking/errors can mess up DNS requests."
DNS tells you where you’re going, and BGP tells you how to get there. DNS is how computers know what IP addr a website or other resource can be found at, but that knowledge itself isn’t helpful. (Cloudflare)
"BGP hijacking/errors can mess up DNS requests."
Let's wait/hope for the detailed RCA coming from #facebebook.
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