Can We Study the Topology of the Internet from the Vantage Points of Large and Small Content Providers?

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to gather and analyze Internet data at the autonomous system level from the vantage points of large and small content providers, to see if any differences can be detected. Data was gathered using the traceroute program, and individual autonomous systems (ASes) were identified using BGP Looking Glass, and Whois databases provided by ICANN regional registries. The data was analyzed using the following metrics: Average AS path length, number of networks to which a content provider was connected, average number of major networks per path, average number of Internet exchange points (IXPs) per path, and geographical characteristics which categorize the ASes in each path based on IANA regional boundaries. The results show some interesting trends in routing and business relationships that will surely have an impact on the future Internet.