Autonomous System (AS) is a collection of computers and computer networks connected together to function as a single entity. It is composed of multiple individual components that interact in order to achieve a common goal or tasks with minimal user input. The components may include computer networks, such as Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), or their combinations, as well as autonomous computing machines such as robots or the Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Autonomous systems can also involve artificial intelligence technologies like machine learning or computer vision.
An autonomous system may have the ability to sense its environment, make decisions, or carry out some action. Autonomous systems have become increasingly prevalent in areas such as robotics, autonomous driving, healthcare, home and building optimization, manufacturing, finance, and more.
The field of autonomous systems research and development is growing rapidly and is becoming a significant factor in areas such as robotics, automated road safety systems, and military applications. Autonomous systems offer the potential to use less energy while providing more accurate and reliable results. As the autonomous systems become increasingly complex, they require more sophisticated software and hardware components and advanced algorithms to ensure their safety, autonomy, and usability.
In networking, an autonomous system is a collection of connected IP routing prefixes under the control of one or more network operators on behalf of a single administrative entity or domain that presents a common, clearly defined routing policy to the internet. The AS includes multiple network devices such as routers, switches, wireless access points, and so on, that forward packets as defined by the routing protocol employed.
