Why ASN Lookup Matters for Businesses: Improving Routing, Network Performance, and Security

Introduction

Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs) are very important when directing data traffic over the Internet. To ensure that data gets to the recipients on the internet, routing information is important. This is provided by ASN.

ASN lookup tool helps map IP addresses to their corresponding autonomous system numbers providing information on the business and network linked to the IP address. These tools and their importance are outlined in this article.

What is an Autonomous System Number (ASN)?

ASN is also called Autonomous System Number, typically 16-bit or 32-bit numbers assigned to an autonomous system. This number can be easily accessed and used by countries from different parts of the world. It makes it possible for a certain Autonomous System (AS) to share information with other systems.

The Autonomous System Number (ASN) is either public or private. The public ASN is used for the exchange of information on the internet while the private ASN is used by a system to communicate through Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), particularly with a single provider.

What is ASN Lookup?

ASN lookup is the process of identifying and retrieving the Autonomous System Number (ASN) assigned to a network or IP address. This number which is collected from different RIR databases, represents a unique identifier for IP ranges managed by entities like ISPs or data centers. The information collected includes but is not limited to the organization name, country code, contact information, the domain of the organization, its status, type (whether business, isp, government, etc) and the registration information including its creation date.

Importance of ASN Lookup For Businesses

The benefits attached to ASN lookup are;

1. Routing Control

With ASN, businesses can easily transfer routing information. This is particularly important if business owners wish to regulate their routing paths. ASN also gives more control over the delivery of traffic to the recipients.

2. Peering Relationships

A peering relationship connects two autonomous systems with unique ASNs on the internet, making it possible for them to exchange traffic directly with each other without using a third-party network. This relationship improves the network and reduces costs for the businesses.

3. Regulatory Compliance

According to some local organizations, businesses are required to have ASNs. Though not globally mandatory, businesses in certain regions and industries must comply with these regulations.

4. Identification of Malicious Networks

ASNs provide additional network security to businesses by making it more difficult for attackers to falsify traffic. It is valuable in fraud detection and prevention.

Tools and Resources for Conducting ASN Lookup

1. Greip’s ASN Lookup Tool

Greip’s ASN Lookup service is designed to provide information about the Autonomous System Number (ASN). This service utilizes advanced technology to identify and map the IPs of AS Numbers, helping businesses to better understand the network infrastructure of each AS Number. This powerful tool enhances network security by:

• Identifying potential threats: Detect suspicious activity and block malicious IP addresses associated with specific ASNs.
• Providing accurate information for ASNs.

2. Dig and WHOIS Commands

The "dig" and "whois" commands can be combined for ASN lookup. First, the "dig" command resolves a domain name to its IP address. Then, the "whois" command queries the IP address to get ASN details, like the AS number and the corresponding organization.

3. Autonomous System lookup Script

ASN lookup script reduces the stress of using manual lookup tools like dig and WHOIS. It determines the AS number, IP address, or website name which it uses to carry out reverse and direct ASN lookups.

4. IP to ASN

The IP to ASN service is a utility that identifies which autonomous system (a collection of IP networks managed by an organization) is responsible for a given IP address. It provides the ASN, which is a unique number assigned to each autonomous system, along with related details like the organization that owns the network, the region it covers, and other relevant metadata. It’s commonly used for understanding network ownership and routing.

5. BGPView ASN Analyzer

This ASN lookup tool provides businesses with a summary of the country, announced prefix, prefix name, description, ASN description, and ASN name, giving the users complete access to the network information connected to the IP address.

6. RIR's API

This Lookup tool provides businesses with a data API so they can get information on IP or AS by simply searching their databases. The information includes AS overview, ASN location, ASN neighbour's history, and RIS ASN endpoints.

Best Practices for Implementing ASN Lookup in Your Business

Some best practices for implementing ASN lookup in your business:

1. Select a Reliable Data Provider: Businesses have to choose recognized data providers that give correct and updated ASN data.

2. Implement ASN lookup Tools: ASN lookup tools like command-line interfaces, APIs, or web-based interfaces are required to carry out ASN lookups. Greip provides this lookup service and it is quite easy to implement.

3. Integrate with Existing Systems: Integrate ASN lookup with your existing network management systems, such as firewalls, routers, or intrusion detection systems.

4. Regularly Update your Data: To ensure that ASN data are up to date, businesses have to regularly update the data to observe for alterations.

5. Monitor for Suspicious Activities: Businesses have to regularly observe and analyze the results of ASN lookups to detect patterns, irregularities, and potential security threats.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ASN Lookup is very important to businesses as it helps improve routing, network performance, and security. This can either be done using API, a web-based ASN lookup tool, or manually. Whichever method is chosen, they need to ensure the database is up-to-date.

FAQs

What is an ASN Number Used For?

ASN numbers are used to control routing within networks and to transfer routing information from one Internet Service Provider (ISP) to another.

How to Lookup the ASN Number for My Business?

To perform an ASN lookup using the Greip ASN service, go to the Greip dashboard and select the ASN Lookup tool. Type the AS number and click the "Lookup" button. Greip will then retrieve and display the information of the provided ASN.

You can also access a publicly accessible ASN lookup tool by Greip and run a quick search.

References

Advantages of Having Public Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs)

ASN Lookup Tools, Strategies and Techniques