Figure: A depiction of the Internet AS topology based on the DIMES measurements. The picture is based on k-shell analysis of the Internet structure, which puts in the center the networks with the best connectivity.

DIMES offers the ability to launch topology measurements of the Internet from multiple vantage points, as well as access to a vast database of accumulated measurement data.

DIMES deploys the most numerous and highly distributed set of agents of any open measurement infrastructure available on the Internet today. In addition, they are located in places where other infrastructures typically do not have agents. For example, many are located in people’s homes, providing vantage points outside of conventional academic networks.

Each DIMES agent periodically wakes up and performs measurements from its host machine with no noticeable effect on the machine’s CPU usage or bandwidth consumption.  Measurements are orchestrated from a central server without breeching the host’s privacy. These measurements include standard daily measurements as well as ones that users specifically request.

On a typical day, the DIMES server records 3.5 million measurements from 1300 agents in over 50 countries.

Using the DIMES testbed is free and simple.  You can download our topologies (IP level, AS level, PoP level) and raw data, and launch your own measurements.

DIMES also welcomes volunteers to install the DIMES agent on their home machines, workstations, or laptops.  It takes just a few minutes to set up, and consumes negligible computer and network resources. For further detail please send an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or see the DIMES website.