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Hailing from a research background in philosophy, linguistics and computer science, I came to the RIPE NCC back in 2016 and took on the role of RIPE Labs Editor in 2020.
After a successful pilot project and a period spent gathering feedback from the community, RIPE Atlas Virtual Machine (VM) anchors are a go. Anyone out there who wishes to host a virtual RIPE Atlas anchor can do so starting today. Here's everything you need to know to get started.
Last year, the RIPE NCC ran a campaign to sponsor a batch of RIPE Atlas anchors. The campaign was well received by the community and helped us deploy anchors in a variety of new locations. So, this year, we're doing it again.
The good news: RIPE Atlas is growing both in terms of geographical diversity and ASN coverage. What's more, RIPE Atlas is evolving, with a new generation of probe hardware having already passed the test phase and a pilot programme underway to assess the viability of VM anchors. The not so good news…
The RIPE NCC's 2017 campaign to sponsor fifteen RIPE Atlas anchors has come to an end. Find out where the latest batch of sponsored anchors are located and learn more about some of the developments that took place in the last leg of the campaign.
In August 2017, just short of seven years after RIPE Atlas was launched, the number of connected RIPE Atlas probes hit 10,000. That’s a lot of probes and it marks a big moment for the RIPE Atlas project.
The wait for the next generation of RIPE Atlas anchors is at an end. The RIPE NCC is ready to start approving applications for the new RIPE Atlas v3 anchors...although at a steady pace to start.
With the v2 RIPE Atlas anchors no longer in production, we're busy looking at new hardware options. Here's the story so far.
Ever since the RIPE Atlas anchor network went online, the RIPE NCC has been scheduling anchoring measurements to provide a clear overview of the health of the network. Over time, however, a certain imbalance has crept into such measurements. Here's a look at the problem along with our solution.
The second phase of the RIPE NCC’s campaign to sponsor 15 RIPE Atlas anchors has been completed, with another five anchor hosts selected for sponsorship. We want to tell you about the new anchor hosts and also take a look at some related developments here at the RIPE NCC.
“Hi, I have been waiting for 8 months for a spare drive (maybe v4) for probe # 34441 that has stopped working. Will I get a spare unit by the end of the year?”
Hi Michele - according to our records, you applied for a new probe last April. The latest batch of version 4 probes is being shipped as we speak. We can confirm that your new probe is on its way to you.
“Is anybody here? Сan we use docker or lxc instead of VM?”
Apologies for the late response. The answer to your question is no. Using docker or LXC is not possible at present.
“Any updates?”
Hi Sascha - for the latest on RIPE Atlas probes, please check this article: https://labs.ripe.net/Members/alun_davies/new-ripe-atlas-version-4-probes
“Any news on the probe VM solution?”
Hi Joshua - we are currently gathering feedback on RIPE Atlas software probes and we are seeking volunteers willing to partner with us and help package the software for various operating systems and platforms. If you're interested in sending feedback or volunteering, let us know by filling in this short survey: https://www.ripe.net/participate/forms/apply/atlas-probes/
“Hi, I did apply for the the probe on 03/03/2019 #24295. Any news available, about the distribution?”
Hi Carlos - apologies for the late response. The first batch of RIPE Atlas version 4 probes have all been distributed and we are currently at the planning stage for the next batch. If you're keen to make use of RIPE Atlas while you wait for a probe to reach you, we would be happy to send you some credits. Please contact us on atlas@ripe.net if you'd like us to set this up for you.
“Are all new applications that are shipped out the new v4 probes?”
Strictly speaking, some of the people out there who help us distribute probes probably still have a few of the v3 devices left in stock, and so it may be the case that a small number of these end up back in distribution. However, with v3 no longer in production, v4 is now the default model, and new hosts should expect to receive v4 probes.
“Is it possible to develop a probe in the form of a package for the firmware openwrt or dd-wrt and other similar? Then no separate equipment is required.”
As I say, we are still in the process of exploring the different options for how best to move forward with software probes. But indeed, any option would be aimed at eliminating the need for separate equipment.
“Where do I sign up to test/get a VM Probe??”
The VM option only applies to RIPE Atlas anchors. To apply for a VM anchor, fill out the usual application form for anchors hosts, making sure to tick the 'virtual machine' option at the top of the form: atlas.ripe.net/get-involved/become-an-anchor-host/
“Is there some way to build a probe myself? I wouldn't mind buying the hardware myself and flash the firmware manually. Would like to support the project without causing you more costs for hardware.”
Thanks for this. The software option that we're working on right now will allow people to host probes on their own devices. We're glad to see that there's an interest in this option in the community, and we'll be keeping you updated as soon as there are any new developments on this front.
“where can i buy one?”
You can apply to host a RIPE Atlas probe for free. To do this, you first need to create a RIPE NCC Access account and fill in the application form. We'll then evaluate your request. To get started, visit: atlas.ripe.net/get-involved/become-a-host/
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