Reliability and risk analysis of the Internet: Case of Korean Internet interconnections

This study reviews ways to increase stability and reliability of the Internet interconnection network. First, we study not only the interconnection technology but also the system and policy issues. With regard to technology, we summarize various interconnection methods between heterogeneous networks under the regime of ITU-T's NGN (Next Generation Network), which is based on all-IP convergence idea. Conducted is a series of experiments to identify the weakest point of the current Internet interconnection system. Based on the lessons from our simulation results, we present a set of guidelines for robust interconnection together with alternative options designed to increase the reliability of the entire interconnection system. In particular, we propose two alternatives of robust interconnection: 1) a failure-prevention interconnection option whereby a separate interconnection backup network is operated in case of emergency and 2) a dispersed hub option that disperses interconnection hubs across regions in advance to limit the extent of damage caused by failure. Finally, we compare and evaluate pros and cons of the proposed alternatives.