Autonomous System (AS)

An Autonomous System (AS) is a collection of IP networks and routers under the control of a single organization that presents a common routing policy to the internet. In simpler terms, think of an AS as a network managed by a company or a service provider, allowing it to manage data traffic in a way that optimizes performance and connectivity. Each AS is assigned a unique number, known as an Autonomous System Number (ASN), to identify it on the internet. This helps different networks communicate effectively while maintaining their own policies and routing decisions.