Footnote to last post with refs and gifs: The oversimplified statement below:
........................ can see that the optimal goal of a provider at each layer is to accept routing information from networks that are only 1 level less than their position in the hierarchy. Of course, there are numerous other variations to the them, but the end results are basically the same.
Please keep in mind, that routing information also must be shared with peer networks at the higher levels as well. The point of the discussion is not to specify all requirements of peer-to-peer routing; but only to point out, in a simple model the basics of hierarchical routing to the layman. (and try to keep an eye on the SuperBowl, BTW....) Also as a footnote, please keep in mind that targeting specific ISPs for routing policy issues is problematic because SOMEONE (ie. at the upper level of the hierarchical model) has to carry the "load" for all the grand-fathered and fragmented address space (which BTW they have little tangible control). It is a difficult job given that the ISPs have little choice in alternative routing protocols and their tool kit is bare (presently). Also keep in mind, however, that to advocate CIDR or CIDR like routing policy and support the development of NATs and DHCP and then show emotion when incredulous engineers point out the problems with this approach by stating that "we do not have an implementable solution" is a bit of irony; for the simple reason that just as we do not have workable alternatives for IP hierarchical routing, the same holds true for NAT, DHCP, and numerous other proposals and technical details to "fix" the problem, but the overall direction and momentum of the current track is clear by the actions of the WGs and inactivity of others. <IRONY> Finally, one obvious way to solve the problem that would create much controversy with the higher level commercial players is to build another large aggregate provider(s) at the top of the hierarchy with a very rigid set of constraints and move the existing elephants down a level to default status :-) That way the highest level in the hierarchy could remain very very clean and efficient. Plus, in parallel, develop a much more fair and efficient policy of address space allocation (which BTW, I have no suggestion or solution to offer either). The idea, of course, only works in theory and on paper, because of commercial constraints and interests. </IRONY> Best Regards, Tim +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | Tim Bass | | | Principal Network Systems Engineer | "Every decoding is another | | The Silk Road Group, Ltd. | encoding.." | | | | | http://www.silkroad.com/ | David Lodge | | | | +------------------------------------------------------------------------+