Here are some frequently asked questions about our BGP service, along with detailed answers to help you understand the process and what to expect when using our service.
Q: Do I need to provide a list for filter updates?
A: No, you don't need to manually provide a list for filter updates. Our system is fully automated and will accept all IRR and RPKI valid prefixes. However, please note that prefixes validated through AltDB are not accepted. We strictly adhere to recognized IRR databases and RPKI standards to ensure the security and integrity of our network.
Q: I just started announcing with you, how long before my prefix gets picked up?
A: Our system is highly automated for efficiency. Once you begin announcing your prefix, our AS-SET will automatically update to include your ASN (and your downstreams if you selected downstream support). This process runs every hour. Additionally, we check for any new valid prefixes every 10 minutes. Once a valid prefix is detected, it is automatically added to the firewall rules to allow traffic on your VPS. This is all handled without the need for any manual input on your part.
Q: How long before your upstreams see my prefix?
A: While our systems and AS-SET updates are automated, the visibility of your prefix to our upstreams depends on their filter update schedules, which are outside our control. In general, most upstreams update their filters relatively quickly. However, Hurricane Electric (HE, AS6939) is known to run filter updates approximately every 6-12 hours. If your prefix has been announced for more than 12 hours and is still not visible, it's likely that the issue lies with the upstream filter refresh. We recommend waiting at least 12 hours before raising a concern.
Q: I've been announcing my prefix for more than 12 hours, but it's still not in the DFZ. Why?
A: If your prefix isn't visible in the Default Free Zone (DFZ) after 12 hours, it's possible that there's an issue with the validity of your prefix (either IRR or RPKI). Please double-check that your prefix is properly registered and valid. If you are certain it meets all criteria and is included in our AS-SET, then feel free to open a support ticket for further assistance. We will help troubleshoot the issue to ensure your announcement is properly propagated.
Additional Information:
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Automation Process: Our BGP automation system is designed to streamline prefix propagation and firewall updates without manual intervention. This helps ensure that once your prefix is valid, it is swiftly integrated into our network and recognized by upstream providers.
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Best Practices: Ensure that your prefixes are correctly registered with valid IRR databases and RPKI to avoid delays or issues with announcement propagation. You should regularly monitor the status of your announcements using tools like bgp.tools or BGP monitoring services.
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Support for Downstream ASNs: If you're utilizing downstream support, the automation also includes your downstream ASNs in the AS-SET, making management easier without additional configuration from your side.
If you have any further questions, or if you're experiencing delays beyond the expected timeframe, our support team is ready to assist.
