This section of the Toolbox describes the Internet ecosystem and how network operators interconnect with each other to create what we know as the Internet.

A network operator is an entity which is running a TCP/IP based network infrastructure, providing access to end users.

A network operator will have their own Internet resources, namely their own IP address space (IPv4 or IPv6 or both) and their own Autonomous System number (the globally unique identifier for their network as used by the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), the routing protocol of the Internet).

Entities without their own Internet resources are not considered network operators for the purposes of this toolbox as they cannot participate in the activities being described here without those independent resources.

This content is sourced from many contributors, including:

• Value of Peering Presentation - Philip Smith
• Network Startup Resource Center
• Input from Mark Tinka, Kurt Erik Lindqvist, etc