www.netnod.sewww.netnod.se

Workshop on Internet Exchange Points – Tunis – April 2013

Internet Exchange Points: Opportunities and Benefits

Technical issues and benefits for network infrastructure.

Pierre Baume – Senior Network Engineer

www.netnod.se

Workshop on Internet Exchange Points – Tunis – April 2013

Definition - Overview

● Infrastructure allowing to exchange traffic between networks directly connected to it.

● Many ways to do it. Constant evolution.

● Connected organizations need to prepare (technical coordination, circuits, equipment).

● Benefits obvious (or not).

www.netnod.se

Workshop on Internet Exchange Points – Tunis – April 2013

Many ways

● Layer 2 or layer 2/3 (possibly including route servers).

● Strategies to manage redundancy in the core, including no redundancy.

● Different strategies to manage access, DWDM, reseller programs.

● Lightweight (or no) regulation is the dominant model. The market works.

www.netnod.se

Workshop on Internet Exchange Points – Tunis – April 2013

Preparation – Technical coordination

● IP space and AS Number.

● Afrinic (and other RIRs) is your friend.

● Allow time for processing.

● Attend meetings (Afrinic, peering forum, etc).

● Valid for IXP operator and connected parties.

www.netnod.se

Workshop on Internet Exchange Points – Tunis – April 2013

Preparation - Infrastructure

● Multiplexing (DWDM, VLANs).

● Circuits (resellers?).

● Switching equipment (what, where?).

● Software (monitoring, management, inventory).

● Servers, 24x7.

www.netnod.se

Workshop on Internet Exchange Points – Tunis – April 2013

Is it worth it?

● Local traffic stays local.

● Dynamic routing, prepares network growth.

● IP resources, enables self-reliance.

● Local content (and caches).

● Help build a community.