The Routing dashboard provides key information about network prefixes, their BGP route announcements, Resource Origin Authorizations (ROAs), and Internet Routing Registry (IRR) Route Objects.
Before using this feature, you will have to activate IP Management subscription or discover your resources first. This article will guide you through the process: IP Management: How To Upload Resources.
Accessing and using your Routing Dashboard
To access the Dashboard, log in into your IPXO portal and select “Manage”. Once in the “Manage” section, click on the “Routing” and the dashboard below will be displayed to you.
The Routing Dashboard offers a comprehensive view of your resources, presenting the following key information:
- Prefix: This column provides a clear display of specific network prefixes or blocks of IP addresses discovered within your organization. These prefixes play a pivotal role in defining the range of IP addresses that are routable on the Internet, serving as the fundamental building blocks for efficient and secure digital connectivity. It's important to note that prefixes are considered appropriate when they possess at least one related routing attribute, such as having BGP/ROA/IRR Route Object.
- Announcing ASN: This section provides details about the Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs) responsible for announcing these prefixes via the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP). Understanding this data is crucial for troubleshooting and optimizing network routing, helping determine the path network traffic takes to reach its destination.
- ROA - Max Length: Here, you'll find insights into Resource Origin Authorizations (ROAs) linked with each prefix. ROAs are cryptographic records specifying the maximum allowed prefix length for a specific range of IP addresses. These records play a pivotal role in validating BGP routes and enhancing network security. The "Max Length" indicates the longest prefix length that can be authorised.
- IRR Route Objects: This column provides information about Issued Route Objects in Internet Routing Registries (IRRs) for each prefix. IRRs are databases that store routing information and policies. Understanding the specific IRRs that contain data for a given prefix is invaluable for verifying and managing networks, ensuring routing policies align with expectations. Presently, we support data retrieval from prominent IRRs such as RADb, ARIN, and RIPE NCC.
- Health status: This section provides details about the overall health of each prefix based on its routing attributes. The health status can help identify potential misconfigurations or security concerns.
- Suggestions: This section offers actionable recommendations to improve the health status of your prefixes. Examples include: “Consider deleting ROA”, “Consider deleting route object for..., etc.”. By following these suggestions, you can enhance the integrity and security of your network routing configuration.
For easier view of your resources routing information, filters can be used for each column. You can filter selected prefixes, announcing ASN information (as in the example below), ROA – Max length, IRR information and Health status.
Moreover, by simply clicking on each prefix, you can delve into detailed BGP data about the prefix and its associated Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs). This allows you to review information about more specific, less specific, and exact match subnets related to that particular prefix.
Benefits of the Routing Dashboard:
This overview acts as a valuable resource for network administrators and engineers, offering essential insights into network prefixes and their associated attributes. It holds significant value for network management, route optimization, and security assessment.
- Routing Transparency: The table provides users with transparency into the routes taken by their network prefixes via BGP announcements, enabling the identification of potential routing issues or misconfigurations.
- Security Assurance: The existence of ROAs allows users to gauge the security level linked to their prefixes. It enables verification that routes announced by their ASNs conform to authorized ROAs, reducing the risk of route hijacking or misdirection.
- Effective Network Management: Information about IRRs supports effective network management by ensuring that routing policies accurately represent and comply with the standards within the Internet community.
- Troubleshooting: In instances of network anomalies or routing problems, this table serves as a valuable reference point for diagnosing and resolving issues effectively.
In conclusion, the Routing Dashboard at IPXO stands out as a robust tool, offering network administrators and engineers crucial insights into the dynamic realm of network prefixes. With its comprehensive display of BGP route announcements, ROAs, and IRRs, this feature not only enhances network management and security but also proves invaluable for troubleshooting.
Beyond its technical prowess, IPXO is committed to providing exceptional client support. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you, ensuring a seamless experience as you navigate through the benefits of routing transparency, security assurance, and effective network management.
Explore the possibilities, navigate with confidence, and elevate your network management experience with IPXO's Routing Dashboard.