tim@as214380.net ~ $

A New ASN Is Born!

published
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2 minutes

After years of working with DFZ routers belonging to others — whether for my $employer, the network association ColoClue, or HAMNET-NL — I’ve finally taken the plunge and leveled up with my own ASN! This isn’t just some side quest. It’s a big move toward more independence and an epic playground for diving even deeper into BGP, peering, and all things tech.

On August 9, 2024, I leveled up and snagged my very own ASN from the RIPE NCC!

What’s the goal?

The purpose behind launching this ASN goes beyond just operating a network. It provides several key opportunities:

  1. A learning platform: This new network gives me the freedom to learn and explore in ways that working on existing networks never allowed. I’m now able to fully immerse myself in networking, BGP, peering, and, most importantly, automation. This platform is a continuous learning experience, one where I can try new configurations, test new protocols, and refine my skills.

  2. Experimentation with new technologies: Having my own ASN opens up a world of possibilities for experimenting with cutting-edge technologies. From next-gen routing techniques to advanced automation tools.

  3. Supporting non-production and production networks: Beyond personal learning and experimentation, this ASN plays an important role in supporting both test environments and live networks. It acts as a testbed for non-production experiments, providing a safe space to trial new solutions. Additionally, it contributes to the stability and performance of production systems, including HAMNET-NL, ensuring reliable operations while continuing to explore new possibilities.

What’s next?

This ASN is not just a personal milestone; it’s a gateway (ba dum tsss) to new opportunities in the world of networking. With it, I’m looking forward to more learning, more experimentation, and, ultimately, making meaningful contributions to the networking communities.

As I move forward with this new chapter, I’ll be sharing my journey, lessons learned, and insights along the way. Stay tuned as I explore the possibilities that this new platform offers!