Essential Considerations Before Peering with Our Internet Exchange

In today’s fast‐paced digital environment, businesses and network providers are continuously seeking ways to boost performance, reduce latency, and lower operating costs. One powerful method to achieve these goals is by peering at an internet exchange. This guide will explore the critical factors to consider before peering with our internet exchange, share best practices drawn from industry insights, and highlight the capabilities of our featured solution—EPIX.

What Is an Internet Exchange?

An internet exchange is a physical infrastructure where multiple networks, such as Internet Service Providers (ISPs), content delivery networks, and enterprise networks, interconnect to exchange traffic directly. By bypassing third-party transit providers, an internet exchange minimizes the number of hops data must traverse, resulting in lower latency and improved overall network performance. This model is often referred to as peering, where mutually beneficial traffic exchange helps all participants reduce costs while enhancing resiliency and control over routing decisions.

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Key Considerations Before Peering

Before establishing a peering relationship at an internet exchange, it is essential to evaluate several critical factors:

1. Network Traffic Analysis

• Assess Current Patterns: Analyze your network traffic volume and identify key destination points.
• Determine Impact: Understand what percentage of your traffic could benefit from direct peering, which in turn can lower transit costs and improve speed.

2. IX Location and Connectivity Options

• Geographic Proximity: Choose an internet exchange with a strategic location to minimize latency to your target markets.
• Redundancy and Diversity: Evaluate connectivity options (fiber routes, diverse carrier paths, and remote access) that ensure continuous and reliable service.

3. Peering Policies and Agreements

• Open vs. Selective Peering: Understand whether the exchange employs open (all participants exchange traffic) or selective peering (peering requires bilateral agreements).
• Route Server Use: Familiarize yourself with the route server model that simplifies BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) session management by enabling multilateral peering—ideal for reducing configuration overhead.

4. Scalability and Capacity

• Future Growth: Ensure the internet exchange can accommodate future traffic increases. Check port capacities and upgrade paths.
• High-Density Solutions: Consider exchanges offering high-speed port options (1G, 10G, 100G, and even 400G on request) to meet evolving needs.

5. Technical and Security Considerations

• Hardware and BGP Configuration: Confirm that your equipment meets the technical requirements for establishing BGP sessions.
• Security Measures: Look for features such as dual stack IPv4/IPv6 support, full-duplex interfaces, and security tools like Remotely Triggered Black Hole (RTBH) filtering to mitigate DDoS attacks.

6. Cost vs. Benefit Analysis

• Transit Savings: Calculate potential cost reductions by bypassing traditional transit providers.
• Operational Efficiency: Consider the trade-offs between monthly port fees and the benefits of lower latency and improved traffic management.

7. Support and Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

• 24/7 Assistance: Check that the exchange offers reliable, round-the-clock customer support.
• Defined SLAs: Ensure clear performance guarantees and compensation mechanisms are in place should service interruptions occur.

8. Existing Peering Ecosystem

• Peer Diversity: Review the current roster of participants at the internet exchange. A diverse and active peering ecosystem often translates to more efficient traffic routing and better network performance.
• Ecosystem Strength: High-profile networks, major ISPs, and content providers on the exchange indicate robust interconnection opportunities.

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Spotlight on EPIX

EPIX (Edge Peering Internet Exchange) is a carrier-neutral, ultra-high-speed platform that exemplifies the benefits discussed above. Here are some of the key technical and operational features of EPIX:

• Versatile Port Options: EPIX supports 1G, 10G, and 100G ports—with 400G available  upon request—to accommodate a wide range of traffic volumes.
• Dual-Stack Support: Full support for both IPv4 and IPv6 ensures seamless connectivity in modern network environments.
• Flexible Peering Arrangements: Whether you prefer open public peering via route servers or bilateral arrangements, EPIX facilitates both options with simple single-port management.
• Robust Security and Redundancy: EPIX is engineered with features such as RTBH (Remotely Triggered Black Hole) for enhanced security and uses fully redundant network architecture to guarantee service availability.
• Strategic Availability: Initially available in Jakarta, with plans to launch in Metro Manila, EPIX is designed to serve the rapidly growing digital markets in Asia.

These features combine to make EPIX an ideal example of an internet exchange that not only supports current networking needs but is also scalable for future growth.

Additional Industry Insights

Leading providers like EDGE DC  emphasize that leveraging an internet exchange can unlock significant benefits such as improved routing efficiency, enhanced network resiliency, and substantial cost savings compared to traditional transit models. The key is to perform a thorough cost-benefit analysis and technical evaluation to ensure that your network will gain the most from direct peering arrangements.

Moreover, resources from the Internet Society and various technical publications underline that effective peering arrangements—whether public or private—are central to optimizing network performance and achieving high levels of interconnectivity without the burden of transit costs.

Best Practices for Effective Peering

• Plan Your Deployment: Conduct detailed traffic analysis and forecast future growth to select the most appropriate port capacity.
• Use Route Servers: Consider multilateral peering via route servers to simplify your BGP configuration and reduce administrative overhead.
• Regular Monitoring: Continuously monitor network performance to quickly address any issues that may arise, ensuring that all BGP sessions and routes remain optimal.
• Stay Informed: Engage with industry forums and resources (such as PeeringDB) to stay current on best practices and emerging trends in internet exchange operations.

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Conclusion

Peering at an internet exchange offers numerous benefits—from cost reductions and lower latency to improved network resiliency and control over routing. By carefully assessing network traffic, connectivity options, peering policies, scalability, technical and security requirements, and support agreements, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your long-term business objectives.

Our EPIX platform stands as a prime example of how a modern internet exchange can deliver these benefits while accommodating both current and future networking needs. Whether you are an ISP, content provider, or enterprise, peering at a robust, carrier-neutral internet exchange can transform your network connectivity.

Ready to Optimize Your Network?

If you’re ready to enhance your network performance with a state-of-the-art internet exchange solution, contact us today for a personalized consultation. Let our team help you achieve the cost savings, improved latency, and robust connectivity your business deserves.

Explore the possibilities of peering with our EPIX internet exchange and join a thriving ecosystem of network professionals.