Routing, Interconnection, and Data Transport
Comprehensive documentation of network topologies, routing protocols, and interconnection frameworks enabling data transmission across UK digital infrastructure.
Modern networks comprise interconnected systems operating at multiple layers. Filter by category to explore specific network components.
Border Gateway Protocol manages inter-autonomous system routing, exchanging reachability information between network domains. Path vector protocol using AS-PATH attributes for loop prevention and policy-based routing decisions. Essential for internet-scale routing across ISP networks and enterprise peering arrangements.
Open Shortest Path First operates within autonomous systems using link-state routing algorithm. Routers maintain complete network topology, computing optimal paths via Dijkstra algorithm. Area-based hierarchical design reduces routing overhead in large networks while maintaining loop-free convergence.
Multi-Protocol Label Switching forwards packets based on fixed-length labels rather than network addresses. Enables traffic engineering, VPN creation, and quality-of-service guarantees. Label-switched paths provide deterministic routing independent of destination address, supporting advanced network services.
Software-Defined Networking separates control plane from data plane, centralising routing decisions. Controllers program forwarding behaviour dynamically via protocols like OpenFlow. Enables programmatic network management, rapid provisioning, and policy-driven traffic steering across heterogeneous infrastructure.
Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing transmits multiple channels over single fibre using different light wavelengths. Amplifiers regenerate signals across long distances without electrical conversion. Coherent detection techniques achieve terabit-scale capacity on submarine and terrestrial trunk routes.
Underwater fibre-optic cables carry majority of intercontinental data traffic. Repeater stations amplify signals every 50-100km across ocean basins. UK hosts major landing stations connecting North America, Europe, and emerging routes to Africa and Asia, forming critical international connectivity infrastructure.
Packet filtering and stateful inspection enforce security policies at network boundaries. Modern next-generation firewalls perform deep packet inspection, application identification, and threat prevention. Placement at perimeter and internal segments implements defence-in-depth strategy.
Virtual Private Network infrastructure creates encrypted tunnels over public networks. IPsec protocol suite provides authentication and confidentiality for site-to-site and remote-access scenarios. Enables secure extension of private networks across untrusted infrastructure while maintaining logical network topology.
Microwave and millimetre-wave links provide high-capacity connections where fibre deployment is impractical. Point-to-point radio systems operate in licensed spectrum with multi-gigabit capacity. Essential for mobile network backhaul and rapid connectivity provisioning in challenging terrain.
Internet Exchange Points enable direct interconnection between networks, reducing latency and transit costs. The UK hosts some of Europe's largest exchanges facilitating efficient traffic exchange.
Established 1994, LINX operates multiple facilities across London handling over 10 Tbps aggregate capacity. Connects 850+ member networks including ISPs, content providers, and cloud platforms. Distributed architecture across Telehouse North, Equinix LD4/LD5, and other carrier-neutral facilities ensures redundancy and geographic diversity.
Member-owned exchange providing cost-effective peering for networks of all sizes. Operates across multiple London data centres with resilient switching fabric. Supports both IPv4 and IPv6 peering with optional route server services simplifying bilateral peering configuration.
Manchester Internet Exchange, Scotland Internet Exchange, and other regional facilities reduce latency for localised traffic. Enable ISPs and content providers to peer closer to end users, improving performance while reducing backbone transit requirements. Critical for distributing content delivery network nodes throughout UK geography.