When setting up a new Autonomous System Number (ASN) and configuring Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) for route propagation, two critical components ensure the security and legitimacy of your routes: Route Objects and Route Origin Authorizations (ROA). These mechanisms are essential for preventing route hijacking, ensuring proper route validation, and maintaining the integrity of the global routing system. In this guide, we’ll explore the importance of Route Objects and ROAs, why they are required, and how they work together to secure BGP route propagation.
What Are Route Objects and ROAs?
- Route Objects:
- A Route Object is a record in the Internet Routing Registry (IRR) that defines the association between an IP address block and an ASN.
- It is used to document and validate which ASN is authorized to announce specific IP prefixes.
- Example:
192.168.0.0/16
is authorized to be announced byAS64500
.
- Route Origin Authorization (ROA):
- An ROA is a cryptographically signed record in the Resource Public Key Infrastructure (RPKI) that specifies which ASN is authorized to originate a specific IP prefix.
- It provides a stronger level of validation compared to Route Objects because it uses cryptographic signatures.
- Example:
192.168.0.0/16
can only be originated byAS64500
.
Why Are Route Objects and ROAs Important?
- Prevent Route Hijacking:
- Route hijacking occurs when an unauthorized ASN announces someone else’s IP prefixes, redirecting traffic to malicious or unintended destinations.
- Route Objects and ROAs help validate the legitimacy of route announcements, making it harder for attackers to hijack routes.
- Ensure Route Validation:
- Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and other networks use Route Objects and ROAs to verify that the routes they receive are legitimate.
- This reduces the risk of propagating invalid or malicious routes.
- Improve Routing Security:
- By cryptographically signing ROAs, the RPKI system ensures that only authorized ASNs can announce specific IP prefixes.
- This adds a layer of trust to the global routing system.
- Compliance with Best Practices:
- Many ISPs and internet exchange points (IXPs) require Route Objects and ROAs as part of their peering agreements.
- Without them, your routes may be filtered or rejected by other networks.
- Protect Your Network’s Reputation:
- Properly configuring Route Objects and ROAs demonstrates that you are a responsible network operator, which can improve your reputation and relationships with peers.
How Route Objects and ROAs Work Together
- Route Objects:
- Route Objects are stored in the IRR and are used by networks to configure route filters manually.
- They are not cryptographically signed, so they rely on the accuracy of the IRR database.
- ROAs:
- ROAs are stored in the RPKI and are cryptographically signed, making them more secure.
- Networks can use RPKI Validators to automatically check the validity of routes based on ROAs.
- Combined Use:
- Route Objects provide a human-readable record of route authorizations.
- ROAs provide a cryptographically secure method of validating route origins.
- Together, they ensure that your routes are both documented and secure.
Steps to Create Route Objects and ROAs
1. Create Route Objects
- Register your IP address block and ASN with an IRR (e.g., ARIN, RIPE, APNIC).
- Create a Route Object using the IRR’s web interface or email template.
- Example:
route: 192.168.0.0/16
andorigin: AS64500
.
- Example:
2. Create ROAs
- Access your Regional Internet Registry (RIR) account (e.g., ARIN, RIPE, APNIC).
- Navigate to the RPKI section and create an ROA.
- Specify the IP prefix (e.g.,
192.168.0.0/16
). - Specify the authorized ASN (e.g.,
AS64500
). - Set the maximum prefix length (e.g.,
/24
to allow more specific subnets).
- Specify the IP prefix (e.g.,
- Publish the ROA to the RPKI repository.
Why Are Route Objects and ROAs Required for New ASNs?
- New ASNs Lack Reputation:
- New ASNs are often treated with caution by other networks because they lack a history of legitimate route announcements.
- Route Objects and ROAs provide proof that your ASN is authorized to announce specific IP prefixes.
- Prevent Misconfigurations:
- New network operators may accidentally misconfigure BGP, leading to unintended route announcements.
- Route Objects and ROAs help prevent such misconfigurations from causing global routing issues.
- Meet Peering Requirements:
- Many ISPs and IXPs require Route Objects and ROAs as part of their peering agreements.
- Without them, your routes may be filtered or rejected.
- Enhance Security:
- New ASNs are more vulnerable to route hijacking because attackers may assume they are less likely to have proper security measures in place.
- Route Objects and ROAs help protect your routes from being hijacked.
Conclusion
Route Objects and ROAs are essential for ensuring the security and legitimacy of BGP route propagation, especially for new ASNs. By documenting your route authorizations in the IRR and cryptographically signing them in the RPKI, you can prevent route hijacking, improve routing security, and comply with best practices. These measures not only protect your network but also contribute to the overall stability of the global internet routing system.
If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it with your peers or leave a comment below with your thoughts or questions. Happy networking!
About the Author:

Ali Asad is a network engineer and tech enthusiast with a passion for sharing knowledge about networking, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure. Follow [Your Blog/Social Media] for more tips and tutorials!