The Splinternet: The Fragmentation of the Global IP Space

Introduction: Developing Borders

The internet was designed to be borderless. However, we are currently experiencing the rise of the Splinternet (or Cyber-Balkanization). This is the phenomenon of different nations isolating their internal IP networks from the rest of the world to maintain political control.

National 'Kill Switches'

Several countries have passed laws requiring all domestic data to route entirely within national borders. Some have even built 'National Intranets' and tested 'Kill Switches' that disconnect their country's BGP routing from the global table entirely, meaning their internal IP addresses can no longer talk to the outside world.

Conclusion

The Splinternet is a profound shift from a united, global IP space to a collection of fragmented, walled-off sovereign networks. Check global connectivity status here.