Internet Partitioning - Cogent vs Level 3?

slashmicah asks: "Internet partitioning and Tier 1 ISPs are something most people don't know much about (myself included). Today, however, some Slashdot readers might have run into some issues involving these two topics. Cogent Communications and Level 3, both Tier 1 ISPs, are apparently having some 'undisclosed' disagreements, causing an Internet partition by turning-off or deactivating their peering point. Cogent Co. has released a statement explaining their side of the problem, however they have no mention of when the problem will be fixed, or when they will sort it out. This partitioning is a problem because any [single-homed] computers that are connected through Cogent Co, can not connect to [single-homed] computers connected through Level 3. Having spent all day sorting out this problem, I ask Slashdot: Isn't there a better way that the issue of peering can be handled/regulated? If not, does the future hold a scenario in which the Internet is split into several separate networks, only to be connected at the whims of large corporations?"

Come on

[42Penguins]

Why can't we all (Cogent and Level 3 included) just get along?

Attempted

[Anonymous Coward]

I tried to get First Post but I was using Level3

Re:Come on

[Tackhead]

> Why can't we all (Cogent and Level 3 included) just get along?

The Internet's insecure enough without introducing race conditions into it.

Besides, that's so 1990s. The 21st century equivalent is to yell "Tier 1 ISPs don't care about spam victims!"

Can someone post Cogent's statement here?

[PavementPizza]

Ironically, because of the depeering, I can't get to it!

Re:Come on

[Carnildo]

Isn't there a better way that the issue of peering can be handled/regulated?

I've always favored shotguns at three paces.

Re:OK, WTF time here

[Frogbert]

Yes if only there were some mechanisms built into the internet as a whole that would allow for the forwarding of packets through a number of alternate routes if one link were to go down... "Routing" if you will.

I envision such a system could be seriously robust and would possibly withstand a nuclear attack.

Easy to Fix

[Waffle Iron]

There's an easy technical fix to this problem: Start a nuclear war at the location of this peering point. Then by design the Internet will route around that area, and communications will be reestablished.

Re:OK, WTF time here

[David Gould]

  I envision such a system could be seriously robust and would possibly withstand a nuclear attack.

Wow, sounds like something that could be of great strategic military value. I wonder if the DOD would be interested in developing this idea...?

Re:Partitioning occasionally happens

[heinousjay]

caused several state's to literally drop off the map

I don't think that word means what you think it means.

Re:OK, WTF time here

[Anonymous Coward]

Physicians are subject to the greater economic pressures than any other small business.

My doctor totally feels the same way about other medical equipment.

"Put down the coffee cup and get some fresh air" she tells me, as I struggle against the restraints.

I shouldn't complain.. she takes time to wipe the scalpels against her lab coat once or twice, and her sock *does* look like a surgical mask if you squint.

"Physicians are subject to greater economic pressures.." she continues. Her voice travels a thousand miles away, as the oven cleaner kicks in (regular anesthetic is sooo expensive).

Thankfully, the scar healed quickly, after a year I could barely see it while wearing a shirt, and my heart's like new as long as the pacemaker's AAA's are changed once every few months.

Re:OK, WTF time here

[ScrewMaster]

Okay ... so then the real question becomes: from where is Slashdot hosted?

First one with output from TRACEROUTE wins!

[Vorondil28]

First one who can post output from traceroute before and after the partition gets a free '5, Informative'!

Re:Partitioning occasionally happens

[Mateito]

caused several state's to literally drop off the map

I don't think that apostrophe means what you think it means either.