The AS-level Connectivity Observatory

FAQ

1. What is Cyclops?
2. Why the name "Cyclops"?
3. What's the difference between Cyclops web interface and visualizer?
4. What are Cyclops' data sources?
5. What is the difference between Change Only mode and Connectivity mode?
6. How to apply filters in web interface?
7. I want to know the connectivity of an AS, but I don't know its ASN. What can I do?
8. How are the link weights computed?
9. How can I sort the list in web interface?
10. Where can I get the raw data from the web interface?
11. How can I run the visualizer?
12. How can I update topology files in visualizer?
13. How can I find an AS in visualization graph?
14. Can I select a time period from activity plot?

1. What is Cyclops?
   
   Cyclops is a system that provides ISPs a view of how their connectivity is perceived from hundreds of vantage points across the network, enabling a comparison between their observed connectivity and their intended connectivity. ISPs can easily use the tool to detect BGP misconfigurations, route leakages or false AS-link hijacks.
   
   
2. Why the name "Cyclops"?
   
   This tool starts to observe the AS-level connectivity with one AS, which is like the eye of Cyclops.
   
   
3. What's the difference between Cyclops web interface and visualizer?
   
   Cyclops web interface provides a quick way of getting list of neighbors and changes for a specific network. The list can be sorted by a variety of criteria and is useful for misconfiguration detection. On the other hand, Cyclops visualizer provides a graphical presentation of AS connectivity and enables visual correlation of changes close in time and location.
   
   
4. What are Cyclops' data sources?
   
   Cyclops uses all public BGP data, including BGP tables and updates, looking glasses, and route servers, to
   obtain an AS connectivity map.
   
   
   
5. What is the difference between Change Only mode and Connectivity mode?
   
   In Change Only mode, Cyclops only shows new peerings and de-peerings of the target AS between the specified start date and the end date. In Connectivity mode, Cyclops shows all the peerings that the target AS ever has till the specified end date.


6. How to apply filters in web interface?
   
   You can select all the filters you want on the top of web interface, and the filters will be applied after clicking on the Submit button.
   
   
7. I want to know the connectivity of an AS, but I don't know its ASN. What can I do?
   
   You can search ASNs by clicking on the link "Search by AS  name" on the right top of web interface. Enter the AS name you're looking for, and Cyclops will provide a list of ASNs whose names are matched with your key words.
   
   
8. How are the link weights computed?
   
   The link weights are computed with full routing tables. The numbers shown in Yesterday Weight are the number of routes averaged over 126 monitors, while in Average Weight, the number of routes averaged over 126 monitors with temporal average (0.8 * past_value + 0.2 * current_value) is shown.


9. How can I sort the list in web interface?
   
   By default the list is sorted by degree. You can sort the list by any column by clicking on the column title. To switch between descending and ascending order, click on the little arrow next to each column title. You can also add any column to sorting criteria by clicking on the "+" next to the column title. Then little numbers next to the titles indicate the sorting priority of the column.
   
   
10. Where can I get the raw data from the web interface?
    
    After querying an AS connectivity in the web interface, on top of the neighbor list there will be a link "raw data " that points to the raw data file of the specified AS.
    
    
    
11. How can I run the visualizer?
    
    Download Cyclops.zip and unzip it. Execute the file named Cyclops.jar in the package, and Cyclops visualizer will start.


12. How can I update topology files in visualizer?
    
    Go to "Options" on the tool bar and select Settings. You can download the latest topology file from our website by clicking on the "Update Now" button. You can also specify how often you want the system to automatically update the topology files here.


13. How can I find an AS in visualization graph?
    
    There is a text field with Find button on the right of the visualizer. Enter the ASN you're looking for and press the button, and then the target AS will be painted as gray (if it is shown in the graph).


14. Can I select a time period from activity plot?
    
    Yes. You can move the sliding window in the activity plot to the time period of interest and adjust the window size by dragging its frame. Then double-click within the sliding window, and the period within the window will be reflected on the time slider.