# Infrastructure and operations

## DNS

| Entity/system | Function | Entry point |
|---|---|---|
| Root Server System | Distributed service for the DNS root, operated by multiple independent organizations | [root-servers.org](https://root-servers.org/) |
| DNS-OARC | DNS operations, analysis, research, and community coordination | [dns-oarc.net](https://www.dns-oarc.net/) |

The familiar 13 root-server letters are logical identifiers, not merely 13 physical machines; deployments are distributed globally.

## Interconnection and exchange points

| Directory/community | Function | Entry point |
|---|---|---|
| PeeringDB | Participant-maintained records for networks, facilities, and IXPs | [Advanced Search](https://www.peeringdb.com/advanced_search) |
| Euro-IX | IXP association and public IXP directory | [IXP list](https://www.euro-ix.net/en/forixps/ixp-list/) |
| IX-F | Common schema for IXPs to publish operational data | [ix-f.net](https://www.ix-f.net/) |

These sources are complementary. They are excellent discovery tools but are not guaranteed to contain every network, facility, session, or current commercial relationship.

## Routing visibility and operations

| Entity/system | Function | Entry point |
|---|---|---|
| Route Views | Public BGP collectors and routing archives | [Collectors](https://www.routeviews.org/routeviews/index.php/collectors/) |
| RIPE RIS | Distributed routing collectors and data services | [RIS](https://www.ripe.net/analyse/internet-measurements/routing-information-service-ris/) |
| NANOG | North American operator knowledge-sharing community | [nanog.org](https://www.nanog.org/) |

Collector data shows what participating vantage points observe; it is not a complete ground truth of every route or traffic path.

## Physical connectivity

| Source | Function | Entry point |
|---|---|---|
| TeleGeography Submarine Cable Map | Discovery map for cable systems and landing points | [submarinecablemap.com](https://www.submarinecablemap.com/) |
| TeleGeography | Specialist telecom research and network maps | [Network maps](https://www2.telegeography.com/network-maps) |

Cable ownership, construction, ready-for-service dates, outages, and landing-station details change. Use the map to find candidates, then corroborate with cable-system operators, landing parties, regulators, and current filings.