Andy, At a larger ISP, you typically need a couple folks for peering. - One or more peering coordinators (one is more normal) to interface with their counterparts. These folks generally need both network engineering and contract administration tools. If they have one skill set, but not the other, it can lead to some difficulties, either way. - One or two network analysts, to create tools, and evaluate peering data, in order to decide who you want to peer with, who you don't, and if people are violating their peering agreements with you. A good background in network tool scripting, statistics, and network engineering is useful - A manager or technical leader well versed in contract administration, BGP architecture, and the ability to tie together sales dictates, martketing direction, and legal input into a cohesive peering policy. May also head the Peering Committee, if one exists. There can be a lot of overlap here between other groups like network analysis and network engineering. Sometimes it can be the same group. - Dan
-----Original Message----- From: owner-nanog@merit.edu [mailto:owner-nanog@merit.edu]On Behalf Of Andy Dills Sent: Wednesday, June 12, 2002 4:47 PM To: Dwight Ernest Cc: NANOG@merit.edu Subject: Re: Survey: Peering Staffing Levels
On Wed, 12 Jun 2002, Dwight Ernest wrote:
I'm interested in getting some idea of the level of staffing provided by NSPs and ISPs in their peering departments. In fact, I've been asked by my management to provide as much info about such levels as possible, without a need to disclose the identity of any responding company.
Forgive me if I'm just used to small companies, but why would you really need more than one full time person (with an assistant possibly) in your peering department?
Sure, the job requires a very specific skill set (something along the lines of an engineer with an MBA), but the day-to-day interactions and changes regarding peering would seem to be minimal. In fact, my impression seems to be that you don't really need anybody on staff to not return emails to peering@, which is seemingly how most providers deal with it. :)
Note: I have absolutely no experience or data to base my assumptions on, so don't slap me too hard.
Andy
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