Project Background

This project is inspired by the likes of DN42, PeerIX, and EFTI (which faltered in the early stages). The primary purpose of this project is to create an Internet-Lite environment where participants are able to employ Internet technologies in a private, learning-focused environment. In lieu of creating dedicated physical infrastructure for NX3, participants will be able to connect to each other via network tunnels (GRE, OpenVPN, WireGuard, Tinc, IPsec), and exchange routes via the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP). Network addresses will be assigned in an IANA private range, using private AS numbers for BGP sessions.

Generally, the steps to get connected are as follows:

1. Register your info in the registry
2. Find Peers
3. Connect to your peers
   • You'll likely do this step via VPN tunnels, as establishing physical infrastructure is expensive
4. Start a BGP session with your peers
5. Profit!
   • Use services hosted by others
   • Host your own services

Where the Project Started

NX3 doesn't require a ton of resources either, all you need is a router running 24/7, the ability to edit some files, and a willingness to learn! The hardware this project was started on is:

3x Ubuntu 22.04 LTS Virtual Private Servers from Contabo

And 2 additional Ubuntu 22.04 LTS containers hosted on my own infrastructure.

The resulting topology of these machines ended up as such: