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A Journey Through Digital Highways: An overview of BGP and peering
- Authors
- Name
- Alex Lee
- @alexjoelee
title: "A Journey Through Digital Highways: An overview of BGP and peering" slug: how-internet-traffic-is-routed-an-overview-of-bgp-and-peering date_published: 2023-06-21T11:18:26.000Z date_updated: 2023-07-17T17:01:48.000Z tags: Technical, Quick Bits
The internet is our digital lifeline, a tapestry of connections that powers our communication, knowledge sharing, and access to global services. But, have you ever paused to think about the maze of signals that takes place when you hit ‘Enter’ for a web address? Today, let’s unravel the magic behind internet routing, focusing on the star players – Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) and Peering.
Navigating the Web: The ABCs of Internet Routing
Think of routing as the ultimate GPS for data. When you eagerly search for a webpage, your device whispers a request through the digital canyons. This whisper is guided to its destination and back to you with the sought-after web content. This guiding force is routing, and it’s not magic, but an orchestration of protocols like BGP and a camaraderie called peering among the networks.
Internet routing is the maestro of data paths, ensuring that these data packets travel through the most efficient routes across autonomous systems (AS), which are like islands of networks under single governance. 
Border Gateway Protocol (BGP): The Negotiator
Picture BGP as a negotiator fluent in the language of networks. Autonomous systems use BGP to talk to each other about the best routes for data traffic. It’s like a round-table discussion where each AS says, “If you need to send packets to me or my neighbors, here’s how you can reach us.”
BGP is the stalwart that keeps the internet glued together, but it's not a protocol to trifle with. It's like a fickle recipe; add too much salt and you've got a disaster – in this case, routing loops or choked traffic. What makes BGP so versatile is its ability to select the best route from numerous possibilities.
Peering: The Handshake Across Networks
Imagine two kingdoms deciding to trade directly with each other instead of through intermediaries. That’s peering for you. It's the mutual agreement between networks to exchange traffic directly, either by the metaphorical shaking of hands via a dedicated line or by meeting at a digital crossroad called an Internet Exchange Point (IXP).
The boons of peering include swifter network performance, cost-effectiveness, and enhanced fortitude. It’s like taking the scenic route on an open road instead of getting stuck in traffic jams.
However, peering is akin to a delicate dance where two networks must agree on the rhythm and steps, like traffic volume and costs, not to mention the technical setup on both sides. It’s a strategic choice, with networks meticulously assessing the pros and cons of their dance partners.
Wrapping it Up
Peeling back the layers, internet routing protocols are responsible for every interaction we have on the internet. BGP and Peering are the dynamic duo that navigates the labyrinth of networks. Their synergy ensures that every click, every search, and every share reaches its destination through the digital highways and byways. As the digital universe expands, these custodians of connectivity will continue to evolve, carrying on their shoulders the boundless possibilities of global communication.