The design and functionality of the Internet have significantly advanced over time. Sharing of interconnected network resources is how the internet functions. IP transit and peering are the two most widely used techniques for the procedure. IP Transit is typically used to connect smaller networks to the public Internet by offering paid worldwide network access. Frequently free or inexpensive, peering employs specialized communication channels to share data between peer networks.

It is more crucial than ever to have access to a fast, reliable, high-quality internet service. People, companies, and networks continue to change and expand the need for high-speed Internet, from gamers to enterprises implementing digital transformation. The infrastructure that underpins propels, and powers connectivity is what makes this transition possible. Internet Exchange Points are one of the key ways businesses may modernize their operations (IXPs or IXs). Networks can link to IXPs to improve Internet performance and ensure their data can reach as many end users as feasible. Networks can share local traffic outside their networks by connecting to an IXP, reducing the amount of data going through upstream transit providers.

IXPs hold the key to boosting the global flow of information most economically and efficiently as networks search for innovative methods to seamlessly offer value to customers in the face of growing global network demands. 

Internet exchange points: Why They're Important?

Internet exchange points play a crucial role in enhancing local Internet connectivity. Network providers can limit the distance data must travel from its source to its destination by exchanging traffic with other Internet Exchange Point members. Keeping the traffic local reduces latency and improves round-trip time. Internet Exchange Points can also reroute Internet traffic when there are network connectivity issues, improving access stability and continuity. The quality of access for regional content creators and consumers is improved through Internet Exchange Points by offering more direct and quick network connections.

Benefits of IXPs

IXPs play a crucial role in the global Internet ecosystem by allowing any network operator to interface directly and exchange data traffic. This offers end customers the fastest, most economical, and most reliable routing possible. These accessible exchange points are essential for preventing "tromboning," which can happen when relying on backbone ISPs to bring traffic from its source to a destination. By spreading out the network architecture, they achieve this. Tromboning happens when traffic must travel great distances to be exchanged before reaching its final goal. This results in traffic jams and subpar application performance. 

Consider it this way; you need to know where the traffic is going if you have control over your network routing. It can turn west initially before heading south to its destination. This procedure can hinder the development of cloud computing strategies or next-generation applications, preventing organizations from competing effectively. Zig-zag pathing or generally poor routing adds latency, jitter, and hop counts and reduces network performance like tromboning, the worst instance of suboptimal routing. 

IXPs enable customers to take advantage of the reduced latency pathways that the modern digital world requires and have more extensive and pervasive coverage. IXPs also contribute significantly to maintaining the Internet's numerous channels clear by directing local traffic locally and preventing unnecessary long-distance travel, which improves network performance and decreases latency for all networks. IXPs further reduce overall costs for customers and ISPs by avoiding transit fees, which could significantly increase the price of a transport network connection.

The data traffic interchange at these peering points enables a single connection to hundreds of networks in a globalized digital world. This provides access to critical international markets and ecosystems from a suitable location that can be optimized and monetized, as well as route flexibility, stable and robust connectivity, redundancy, and better network quality.

DE-CIX Internet Exchange Services is authorized to manage Internet Exchange in India.