Cross Continental Access of Information and the Boarder Gateway Protocol

Abstract: The usage of technical equipment and the interconnection of all these devices has become essential to our every day life and to provide as good service as possible for the internet of today. However, many have the opportunity to inspect the data as it is being rushed across the globe to provide users with information at the press of a button. This study examines the routing patterns from hundred thousands of trace routes going from user to server around the globe. Using this trace data, we demonstrate not only the number of companies involved in data transfers on other continents then where they are currently not residing, but also give some insight into the amount of routes pertaining to same continent data transfers which takes paths not contained within that same continent. In doing so, we try to explain the inner workings of the protocols used within the process of data transfer, answer a number of security related questions regarding the protocols used, as well as discuss which other circumstances can affect the decision making process.