5 ways modern routing, traffic, and performance analytics can help mitigate major outages

In today’s digital age, where connectivity is the lifeblood of societies and economies, a severe national network outage is nothing short of a crisis. Major IP core network outages have become more commonplace, with public events worldwide in recent months. The outcomes of outages go beyond SLA penalties and can cause significant reputational damage and untold financial consequences. These types of incidents demonstrate the importance of modern routing, traffic, and performance analytics tools in preventing and mitigating such network disruptions.

Modern routing, traffic, and performance analytics tools, like Blue Planet Route Optimization and Analysis (ROA), are designed to enhance the resilience and security of network infrastructures. Their capabilities go beyond conventional network monitoring, providing advanced features that can prove invaluable in the event of a major outage.

Key functionality in such a platform that a network operator should be looking for include:

1. What-If Planning for Network Resiliency

A tool that allows for what-if planning, enabling organizations to simulate various scenarios and test the resiliency of their networks, is critical. This digital twin approach goes beyond traditional testing, incorporating the dynamic nature of routing paths on the public internet for true end-to-end connectivity analysis.

2. Real-Time Monitoring for External Threats

One distinctive feature of Blue Planet ROA is its ability to monitor routing changes in real-time and alert its users of abnormal events. A third party equipped with ROA can promptly detect and analyze incorrect routing advertisements or withdrawals, helping to determine if an external entity is responsible for the disruption. They would immediately understand what is happening, determine the root cause early, and take evasive action to reduce or eliminate the conditions that caused the outage.

Blue Planet ROA has helped dozens of major network operators and enterprises worldwide mitigate and, in some cases, even wholly prevent significant network disruptions.

3. Quick Identification of the Source/Cause

During a network crisis, time is of the essence. Blue Planet ROA facilitates the rapid identification of the source or cause of an incident. By analyzing routing information in real-time, network administrators can pinpoint the exact location and nature of the problem, streamlining the resolution process.

4. Forensic Analysis of Events

Blue Planet ROA enables detailed forensic analysis of network events. This means that network administrators can delve into historical data in the aftermath of an outage to understand the sequence of events leading to the disruption. This level of visibility is crucial for identifying vulnerabilities, understanding the impact on services, and formulating strategies to prevent future occurrences.

5. Replay of Past Events for Post-Incident Analysis

One critical aspect often overlooked is the ability to replay past events. Blue Planet ROA maintains a record of routing changes, allowing network administrators to revisit historical data even after the network has resolved itself. This capability is essential for comprehensive post-incident analysis, ensuring that no crucial information is lost in the dynamic landscape of IP networks.

Recent high-profile, large-scale outages are a stark reminder of the vulnerability of even the most robust networks. In the face of such challenges, tools like Blue Planet ROA emerge as indispensable assets. The ability to conduct forensic analysis, quickly identify the source of incidents, monitor for external threats, perform what-if planning, and replay past events positions Blue Planet ROA as a key player in enhancing network resilience. Blue Planet ROA has helped dozens of major network operators and enterprises worldwide mitigate and, in some cases, even wholly prevent significant network disruptions.

As we navigate an era where connectivity is paramount, investing in advanced solutions like Blue Planet ROA becomes not just a choice but a necessity for safeguarding the digital infrastructure that underpins our daily lives.