The UPIN (User-driven Path verification and control for Inter-domain Networks) project seeks to address critical challenges in inter-domain routing, particularly in the context of Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) and its implications for policymakers and network operators. BGP, the backbone of global internet routing, often operates as a black box for end users, with path decisions driven by economic agreements, political considerations, and network operator policies rather than user preferences. This lack of transparency and control creates risks in terms of security, performance, and resilience.
Geopolitical tensions and national policies increasingly influence routing decisions, with governments and large network operators exerting control over traffic flows, leading to concerns about surveillance, censorship, and network fragmentation. In addition, BGP’s inherent vulnerabilities, such as hijacks and route leaks, further underscore the need for greater path transparency and user-driven control mechanisms.
UPIN is an initiative by the University of Twente and the University of Amsterdam, funded by NWO, to explore methods for introducing a degree of user control over inter-domain routing. Unlike architectural overhauls like RINA and SCION, which propose entirely new network paradigms, UPIN focuses on pragmatic, deployable solutions that integrate with the existing Internet. The project leverages path analysis and verification techniques to provide greater accountability and flexibility while maintaining compatibility with BGP-driven routing.
By enabling users and applications to verify and influence routing paths, UPIN aims to mitigate risks related to traffic interception, route manipulation, and inefficient routing. The project envisions a future where network operators and end-users collaborate to make more informed routing decisions that align with both operational and strategic priorities. This approach not only enhances network resilience and efficiency but also offers a counterbalance to the centralized control exerted by dominant geopolitical and economic forces over internet traffic flows.
Ultimately, UPIN contributes to the broader effort of making the Internet more transparent, secure, and adaptable by empowering stakeholders beyond traditional network operators. By integrating path-awareness into existing routing infrastructures, UPIN paves the way for a more open and user-centric approach to inter-domain networking, bridging the gap between the needs of users, enterprises, and network administrators in an increasingly complex digital landscape.