What is an Internet Exchange?
Internet Exchange Point (IXP) and Network Access Point (NAP) are two terms for a facility where operators of Autonomous Systems can interconnect their networks to exchange Internet traffic. Although some commercial collocation facilities promote themselves as internet exchanges this normally equates to providing the users with the facility to run hard-wired one-to-one interconnections. The terms IXP and NAP are normally reserved for 'public' internet exchange points where a shared switch is provided to enable members to exchange traffic without having to install physical circuits (other than their own connection to the switch).Exchanges also vary with some being commercially operated and some being member-owned and not-for-profit or in the case of Edge-IX operated by a commercial company (NWIX Group Ltd) while still being not-for-profit.
What is a distributed Internet Exchange?
Most IXPs are located either within, or adjacent to, commercial collocation facilities within metropolitan areas. Edge-IX is different and is not based in any one single metropolitan area instead switches are operated in many regions and metropolitan areas within the UK. The separate areas are meshed together to provide a distributed Internet Exchange. This has the benefit of keep local traffic local and still provides access to resources from all other areas covered by Edge-IX
What is Peering?
Peering is the exchange of traffic between service providers including content and access providers. Generally peering is used as a term where this is undertaken without an associated cost to either party. Peering arrangements are made on a case by case basis. Companies setting up peering arrangements typically do so to reduce the costs of IP transit, increase diversity or improve network and end user performance.
Why peer with other members?
Upstream capacity costs can be one of the largest costs facing service providers - peering arrangements at an Exchange reduce the need to send IP traffic through an upstream provider. One single connection to an exchange point may reduce the need for multiple connections. Members are easily able to exchange routing information with each other and benefit from peering. Every member of Edge-IX is in the position to peer with any, or all other connected members – they must peer with at least one other member of the Exchange. Members will have different peering policies and this policy may vary according to individual requirements.
What are the requirements for becoming a member of Edge-IX?
- You must be a recognised legal business entity.
- You must have an AS Number (Autonomous System Number).
The Applicant must have their own ASN assigned by a Regional Internet Registry which can be either; RIPE-NCC, APNIC, LACNIC or ARIN OR by a Local Internet Registry.