Where networks meet.
WHAT AN EXCHANGE POINT IS
A facility where networks connect directly to each other.
WHY THEY EXIST
So traffic between two local networks does not travel abroad and back.
WHAT THAT ACHIEVES
Lower latency Lower cost Less dependence on international capacity
WHY THAT MATTERS LOCALLY
Traffic between two Nigerian networks once routed through Europe.
An exchange point keeps it local.
WHAT PEERING MEANS
Two networks agreeing to exchange traffic directly.
WHAT TRANSIT MEANS
Paying a larger network to carry your traffic to the rest of the internet.
WHY THE DISTINCTION MATTERS
Peering is usually cheaper and faster for the traffic it covers.
WHAT TO ASK A HOSTING PROVIDER
Which networks they connect to Whether they are present at a local exchange
WHY THAT AFFECTS YOU
It determines how quickly local visitors reach your site.
WHAT ELSE AFFECTS IT
The number of upstream providers, which affects resilience.
