IXPs are an access solution that wouldn’t be possible without people working together. From the very start, an IXP is the result of partnership, collaboration, and trust. They represent the very best of what can happen when people work in the same way the Internet does – interconnecting networks and people.
What Are IXPs?
An Internet Exchange Point (IXP) is a physical and usually neutral location where different IP networks meet to exchange local traffic via a switch.
Different Kinds of IXPs
IXPs fall roughly into five categories:
- non-profit organizations,
- associations of ISPs,
- operator-neutral for-profit companies,
- university or government agencies, and
- informal associations of networks.
How IXPs Work
For an IXP to work it needs: a switch, routers, servers, a neutral locations, appropriate power sources, cooling, security, and technical experts to run and manage the IXP.
What’s The Business Case
IXPs provide an alternative to the expense of sending domestic Internet traffic abroad, only to have to return that traffic via an expensive international link. Basically, IXPs help keep local traffic local and help with cheaper, better, faster local Internet traffic exchange. The cost and quality of service that IXPs make can help ISPs and content delivery networks see the benefit of supporting IXPs.
