Where networks meet.
WHAT AN EXCHANGE POINT IS
A facility where many networks connect to a shared fabric and peer with each other.
WHAT IT PROVIDES
Direct interconnection without individual physical circuits Lower cost per unit of traffic exchanged Lower latency between participants Reduced dependence on international transit
WHY THAT LAST POINT MATTERS ENORMOUSLY HERE
Traffic between two local networks once travelled to Europe and back, adding substantial delay.
WHAT LOCAL EXCHANGES CHANGED
That traffic staying local, and the cost of exchanging it falling.
HOW PEERING HAPPENS AT AN EXCHANGE
Bilaterally, between two networks that agree Through a route server, which simplifies connecting to many at once
WHAT A ROUTE SERVER DOES
Distributes routes between participants without each pair configuring a session.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH BEFORE JOINING ONE
The port cost Whether the networks you care about are present Whether your traffic volume justifies it
WHAT TO ASK ANY PROVIDER
Which exchanges they are present at.
WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOUR HOSTING
Local visitors reaching your servers over a short path.
