RIPE – Atlas Anchor

We have become an even more integral part of the RIPE Atlas project by hosting an anchor, a device that allows for latency analysis of traffic between autonomous systems. This initiative enhances our understanding of Internet performance and contributes to the broader community of network operators who rely on accurate data to make informed decisions regarding their infrastructure.

Through our involvement, we aim to foster greater collaboration and transparency in the field of network measurement.

RIPE Atlas anchors play an integral role in the RIPE Atlas network by acting both as enhanced RIPE Atlas probes with more measurement capacity, as well as regional measurement targets within the greater RIPE Atlas network. Anchors are able to perform many more measurements than a regular RIPE Atlas probe, and the large amount of data they collect is made available to everyone.

This data includes detailed latency statistics, which can be crucial for diagnosing network issues and improving overall performance. In addition, anchors act as powerful targets that can handle a large number of measurements originating from nearby probes in the RIPE Atlas network.

As such, RIPE Atlas anchors provide valuable information about the local and regional connectivity and reachability of the Internet. The metrics they generate are invaluable for understanding how different networks interact and for identifying potential bottlenecks or failures in real time.

RIPE Atlas anchors also form the backbone of data collection for other RIPE NCC services, including DNSMON, which monitors the health of the DNS infrastructure. By contributing to these services, we help enhance the reliability and robustness of the Internet as a whole.

Benefits of Hosting an Anchor

Conclusion
Hosting a RIPE Atlas anchor offers numerous benefits, from gaining access to valuable measurement data to enhancing your organization’s visibility in the networking community. It’s an opportunity to not only contribute to the enhancement of Internet performance but also to gain critical insights into your own network’s health. We encourage you to explore the possibility of becoming an anchor host and join us in this significant initiative that has a positive impact on global connectivity.

Future of RIPE Atlas and Global Connectivity
The role of RIPE Atlas anchors in improving global connectivity cannot be overstated. As more organizations join this initiative, the data collected will become increasingly rich and diverse, providing deeper insights into the state of the Internet. Ongoing investments in technology and methodologies will enhance the measurement capabilities of RIPE Atlas, paving the way for a more connected and efficient world. By hosting an anchor, you are positioning your organization as a leader in the effort to improve global Internet performance.

Case Studies and Real-World Applications
Many organizations have benefited from hosting RIPE Atlas anchors. For instance, a regional ISP managed to identify a persistent latency issue impacting their customers’ experience. By utilizing the data from their anchor, they traced the problem to a faulty routing path that was leading to delays. Once resolved, the ISP saw a significant improvement in their network performance and customer satisfaction ratings. This is just one example of how hosting an anchor can lead to actionable insights that directly benefit network operators.

Understanding Latency and Its Importance
Latency is the time it takes for data to travel from the source to the destination across a network. This delay can significantly impact user experience and application performance, especially for real-time applications such as video conferencing and online gaming.

High latency can lead to noticeable lag, which frustrates users and can result in lost business opportunities. Understanding latency helps network operators optimize their infrastructures to ensure smooth and efficient data transmission.

By hosting a RIPE Atlas anchor, you contribute to valuable latency measurements that help improve not just your network’s performance but also that of the wider Internet.

Host an Anchor
We are interested in deploying RIPE Atlas anchors as widely as possible. You do not have to be a RIPE NCC member to host an anchor, opening up opportunities for organizations of all sizes, from small ISPs to large enterprises, to participate in this valuable project.

You can find a map of all current anchors online, along with a complete list including the host organizations. Hosting an anchor not only helps improve measurement capabilities but also allows you to contribute to a global initiative aimed at enhancing Internet performance.

Map of RIPE Atlas anchors: https://atlas.ripe.net/anchors/map/
List of RIPE Atlas anchors: https://atlas.ripe.net/anchors/list/

Benefits of hosting an anchor extend beyond data collection. Participating in this initiative can elevate your organization’s profile within the networking community and provide unique insights into your own network performance.

• Anchor hosts gain access to the results of anchoring measurements (ping, ping6, traceroute, traceroute6) scheduled by the RIPE NCC towards your anchor from all the other anchors and several hundred probes, providing a continual overview of regional reachability. This access allows hosts to make data-driven decisions regarding their infrastructure and helps them stay ahead of potential connectivity issues.

• We promote anchor hosts by displaying their logo on our Community page, giving them visibility among peers and potential clients. This recognition can help enhance the host’s reputation within the community, highlighting their commitment to improving Internet performance and reliability.

• Anchor hosts earn ten times as many credits as regular probe hosts, which they can use to perform their own customized measurements, gaining valuable information about the health of their own networks. These credits can be utilized to explore specific metrics that matter most to their operations, allowing for a tailored approach to data collection and analysis.

Requirements
The anchor is designed to be installed in a highly available network and physical environment in order to operate as a stable measurement device and target. It is not suitable for use in a home network. This ensures that the anchor can consistently provide accurate and reliable data, contributing to the overall integrity of the RIPE Atlas network.

Apply Now
You can find all the requirements for hosting an anchor, and the steps for applying, online:

https://atlas.ripe.net/anchors/apply/. We encourage interested parties to explore this opportunity, as hosting an anchor not only contributes to the RIPE Atlas initiative but also enhances your organization’s capacity for network analysis and performance monitoring.