peer.as maps the way data travels across the internet. It provides a visual view of core network structures. You can track IP prefixes, look up autonomous system numbers, and study peering relationships. This tool helps network engineers and curious users understand how traffic moves between providers.
Follow these steps to install the software on your Windows computer.
- Go to the official release page.
- Scan the list for the version labeled "Latest".
- Find the file ending in
.exeunder the Assets section. - Click the file name to start the download.
- Save the file to your desktop or downloads folder.
Once the download finishes, move to the folder where you saved the file. Double-click the peer.as.exe file to start the setup.
Windows might show a message that says "Windows protected your PC." This happens because peer.as is a new application. Click "More info" and then click "Run anyway" to move forward.
The installer opens a window. Follow the prompts on the screen:
- Choose the folder where you want to keep the application.
- Select if you want a shortcut on your desktop.
- Click Install to begin the process.
The installer finishes in a few seconds. You can now launch the application from your Start menu or your desktop shortcut.
Ensure your computer meets these basic needs to run the software.
- Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11.
- Memory: At least 4 gigabytes of RAM.
- Storage: 200 megabytes of free disk space.
- Internet: A steady connection to fetch live routing data.
When you open peer.as, you see a search bar and a main map view.
Type an IP address, a network name, or an autonomous system number (ASN) into the search box. Press Enter. The application loads the record for that entry.
The main window displays the network path. Lines connect different nodes. Each node represents a network provider or an exchange point. Hover your mouse over any line to see details about the connection speed and distance.
Click the "Prefixes" tab to list all IP ranges currently claimed by the selected network. This data updates in real time to show current shifts in internet routing.
To see how a specific data packet moves from point A to point B, select the "Path" tab. Type your start address and destination address. The tool draws the path across the global map. This shows every network hop the data takes.
You will see terms inside the software that relate to how the internet works. Here is a guide to what they mean:
- BGP: The protocol the internet uses to decide which path data takes.
- ASN: A unique number given to each network provider.
- IP Prefix: A range of IP addresses that belong to a single network.
- Peering: A direct connection between two networks to swap data without paying a third party.
- Origin: The starting point of an IP address range.
You can change how the software looks and acts in the Settings menu. Click the gear icon in the top right corner.
- Theme: Switch between light mode and dark mode.
- Update Frequency: Choose how often the application fetches new routing data. High frequency uses more data but keeps info fresh.
- Map Style: Pick between standard, satellite, or minimalist map views.
If the application does not work as expected, try these steps.
Check if your internet connection is active. The software needs a connection to reach the BGP databases. Also, restart your computer and try opening the program again.
This often happens if your firewall blocks the application. Make sure the application has permission to talk to the internet in your Windows Defender settings.
Click the "Refresh" button at the bottom of the window to force a new pull of data.
Close other programs. Visualizing complex network graphs takes memory. If your machine has low RAM, avoid searching for paths that span many continents.
New versions release often to fix bugs or add network nodes. You can check for updates manually by clicking the "Check for Updates" button in the Help menu. The software notifies you when an update exists. We recommend you keep the software updated to ensure the map data stays accurate.
Is this software free? Yes, peer.as is free for everyone to use.
Does it track my personal IP? No. Peer.as monitors public routing data only. It does not track your private usage or individual machine information.
Can I export the data? Yes. You can export current views as a report file from the File menu. This allows you to save network maps as a file for offline viewing.
How do I uninstall the software? Go to your Windows Settings, then Apps, then Installed Apps. Find peer.as in the list, click the three dots, and select Uninstall. The process removes all files associated with the program.