> > 1 - Connection Taxonomy > > 1.1. The Internet is a "network of networks", where the component > > networks are called Autonomous Systems (AS), each having a unique AS > > Number (ASN). > > Even if this reflects the original intent of ASNs, it certainly does not fit > current reality.
it is (a) accurate to the original definition, and (b) relevant to finding the "edge". everything else you added: > Let's call any set of networks under a unified administrative control > an Autonomous Routing Domain (ARD). ARDs should not be confused with > ASes (an implementation detail). They are distinct for these reasons: > > 1) Most ARDs do not have an ASN -- they are statically routed "at the edge". > 2) Many networks "at the edge" use private ASNs. > 3) Many ARDs share a provider provided ASN -- RFC 2270. > 4) Many ARDs are implemented with multiple ASNs. Internap is probably > an extreme example. But even UUNet's global ARD (AS701, 702, 705 ...) > reflects an implementation choice (one that Sprint does not seem to > follow with 1239, for example). ...is also completely true, and points to a possible need to upgrade the terminology in general use. however, for the purpose of finding the edge, the original (and still officially current) definition of "ASN" will serve.