Singtel says STiX software upgrade not root cause of Optus network outage
SINGTEL said the upgrading of Singtel Internet Exchange, STiX, was not the root cause of the Optus network outage on Nov 8.
STiX is Singtel’s Internet peering exchange, acting as an infrastructure “shortcut” that helps move vast amounts of data across the world.
“We are aware that Optus experienced a network outage after the upgrade when a significant increase in addresses being propagated through their network triggered preset fail-safes.
“However, the upgrade was not the root cause,” the largest telecommunications operator in Singapore said on Thursday (Nov 16), noting that STiX is one of Optus’ international networks connecting to the global Internet.
The company referred to recent media reports indicating that “changes to routing information” from STiX, following a routine upgrade, led to Optus’ 14-hour-long network meltdown last week.
The outage was first reported about 4 am in Australia last Wednesday (1 am SGT on Nov 8).
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Singtel noted that STiX had planned the upgrade on one of its routers at 1 am SGT on Nov 8.
It had also given prior notice to all affected customers, including Optus and other telecom companies.
“During the upgrade, data traffic was routed to other points of presence on the STiX network, and back into customers’ networks.
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“The STiX upgrade was completed within 20 minutes, and all its customers’ routers that were connected to it, including Optus’, were up and running,” said Singtel, noting that network resilience and security remain a top priority of the group.
“Singtel will support Optus as it learns from what has occurred and continues to improve.”
The company’s shares fell as much as 5.2 per cent to S$2.35 last Wednesday following the news of Optus’ network outrage.
The counter was trading flat at S$2.38 as at the midday market break on Thursday.
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