ASN database

If you're interested in learning more about ASNs, peering and IP address prefixes, the ASN database is your go-to tool. Providing in-depth insights into all ASNs, their announced prefixes, peer information, Internet Exchange (IX) memberships, and more.

The database is fully searchable, not only by ASN or prefix, but also by organization name, making it easy to find the information you need.

For each ASN, the database offers:

• Key details (name, country, contact info)
• Metadata like website, logo and social media
• Information on all peers
• Details on all announced prefixes
• Where applicable, statistics and historical changes are made available.

For a quick introduction, try out these ASN database lookups:

ASN's related to 'amazon.com' ASN's named 'facebook' Lookup of AS7018 Lookup of info on 8.8.8.8

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Database statistics

• The database provides insights into a total of over 117,000 ASNs, of which more than 83,000 are active.
• It includes over 1 million unique peering connections and 750,000 unique prefixes.
• Metadata (including website, logo, and social media) is gathered for more than 55.000 ASN's. All links and logos are verified at least once every 3 months.
• Information on over 1,000 Internet Exchanges (IX) is collected, totaling 75,000 unique memberships.
• Data undergoes continuous updates 24x7, from a multitude of sources.

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FAQ

• What is an ASN / Autonomous System Number?
• What are ASN's used for?
• What is BGP?
• What is peers?
• What is the difference between upstream, peer, and downstream?
• What is prefixes?
• Who assigns the Autonomous System Number?
• What is an Internet Exchange (IX)?
• What is a Looking Glass?
• How is the database updated?

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What is an ASN / Autonomous System Number?

The internet is a large collection of small interconnected networks. Each smaller network, is connected to a number of other networks, and thereby creating one large mesh of networks. This is how the internet, as we know it, is build.

Each of these smaller networks is called an Autonomous System (AS), and is assigned an uniq Autonomous System Number (ASN).

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What are ASN's used for?

Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs) serve as unique identifiers for internet-connected networks. In conjunction with the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), ASNs enable these networks to share routing information, helping the internet determine the most efficient paths for data transmission between various autonomous systems.

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What is BGP?

Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is the language that enables different Autonomous Systems (AS) to communicate and exchange information on how to reach each other's networks. It's the protocol that helps the internet know where to send data packets, ensuring efficient and reliable routing between autonomous systems.

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What is peers?

In networking, "peers" refer to other autonomous systems that have established a direct connection to exchange traffic. Peering enhances network performance and efficiency by allowing direct data transfer between networks, reducing reliance on third-party intermediaries.

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What is the difference between upstream, peer, and downstream?

In the realm of ASNs, these terms describe the flow of data and business relationships:

• Upstream: Refers to the network provider from which an ASN receives its internet connection. Upstreams often involve a financial arrangement, where the ASN pays the peer for the upstream services.
• Peer: Denotes a direct network connection between two ASNs for mutual data exchange.
• Downstream: Represents networks or users that receive data from a specific ASN. Downstreams benefit from the services and connectivity provided by the upstream ASN. Downstream peers often pay for the service.

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What is prefixes?

Prefixes, in the context of networking, are blocks of IP addresses associated with an Autonomous System (AS). These address blocks, also known as prefixes, are used to define the range of IP addresses controlled by a particular AS.

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Who assigns the Autonomous System Number?

Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs) are assigned by regional internet registries (RIRs). These organizations manage and distribute internet number resources, including ASNs, to ensure the uniqueness and proper functioning of the global internet infrastructure.

The RIRs is:

• Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN)
• Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC)
• Réseaux IP Européens Network Coordination Centre (RIPE)
• Latin American and Caribbean Internet Addresses Registry (LACNIC)
• African Network Information Centre (AFRINIC)

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What is an Internet Exchange (IX)?

An Internet Exchange (IX) is a physical infrastructure where multiple networks come together to directly exchange traffic. It acts as a meeting point for different autonomous systems, enabling them to connect and efficiently exchange data, enhancing overall network performance and reducing latency.

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What is a Looking Glass?

In networking, a Looking Glass is a web-based tool or network node that enables users to remotely execute commands and queries on routers and switches. These tools offer insights into routing tables, configurations, and network-related information of a specific device or Autonomous System (AS). Looking Glasses commonly include essential tools like ping and tracert, allowing users, including network administrators and enthusiasts, to troubleshoot, analyze routing paths, and gather real-time data without direct access to the equipment.

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How is the database updated?

The database undergoes daily updates sourced from various channels, including WHOIS, RIPE NCC, PeeringDB, IXPDB, MaxMind and numerous individual sources/data feeds.

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