Russia testing whether it can run independent internet

Russia is gearing up for a test to see if it can run an independent Internet. As part of the experiment, Russian authorities instructed major internet providers to disconnect the country from the internet to ensure the independence of the Russian internet space (Runet) in the case of foreign aggression to disconnect the country from the rest of the world.

During the test, all Russian internet traffic will be routed to exchange points approved or managed by Roskomnazor, Russia's telecom watchdog. An exact date isn't known, but the experiment should take place before the end of this quarter.

Roskomnazor will inspect the traffic to block prohibited content and make sure traffic between Russian users stays inside the country, and is not re-routed uselessly through servers abroad, where it could be intercepted.

A date for the test has not been revealed, but it's supposed to take place before April 1, the deadline for submitting amendments to the law --known as the Digital Economy National Program.

Russian ISPs believe the test will cause major disruptions to Russian internet traffic. More details at ZD Net.