Unlocking the power of ports
1. What are the benefits of connecting to an Internet Exchange?
Networks connecting to an Internet Exchange (IX) benefit from high-capacity, low latency connections for local traffic and the flexibility to scale quickly. Using one connection (or more to ensure redundancy), networks can interconnect with hundreds of other networks lowering the need for expensive transit connections and reducing latency. With the flexible connection options at modern IXes, networks can easily and quickly adapt to changing traffic patterns; ensure that their interconnections are fully redundant; exchange local traffic with the lowest possible latency; and expand into new regions with no CAPEX costs by using remote peering over their existing port.
Networks focusing on interconnection usually connect to multiple IXes. For many years, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) have used the interconnections established at IXes as a central part of their network strategy. Today, enterprise networks are increasingly interconnecting across IXes. Interconnection is now widely used by enterprises working in sectors such as cybersecurity, health, fintech, and gaming.
2. How do you maximise the value of connecting to the Netnod IX?
In addition to making it simple, secure and cost-effective for networks to exchange local traffic, Netnod is focused on providing a range of flexible services which can be provisioned quickly and very cost-effectively over the existing connection.
Netnod’s Remote IX service enables networks to expand their reach by remote peering at other Netnod IXes in Sweden, Denmark and Finland. For networks that want to reach further, our new Cross-IX cooperation with AMS-IX makes it easy for networks in the Nordics to connect directly to AMS-IX Amsterdam and exchange traffic with 860+ networks exchanging almost 12 Tbps of traffic.
Networks that require a private and more controlled environment for exchanging traffic with specific parties can use a Closed User Group. This can be customised to connect multiple sites, suppliers, partners or customers from multiple locations across all Netnod IXes.
If you want to ensure that your network and devices have independence from GNSS, you can use your IX connection to receive Time-as-a-Service using Netnod Time Direct. This is a fully managed time service with SLA that guarantees 30µs accuracy from Swedish national time. You receive the time over a VLAN on your existing port, or a dedicated port, which means the service is very cost-effective, can be provisioned immediately and is easy to integrate into your current setup.
3. How does Netnod make it easier for customers to manage their IX connections and their value added services?
All Netnod IX connections and value added services can be managed in the Netnod Customer Portal. This enables you to see traffic statistics, troubleshoot, get billing information, increase capacity and add additional services when needed.
To further simplify the management of our growing range of services delivered over IX connections, we are introducing Netnod One Port. This brings together all the services mentioned above in a way that can be delivered over the same physical connection. Netnod One Port is the next step in our mission to unlock the power of ports. It will greatly simplify administration for our customers, enable extremely fast provisioning, and continue our goal of maximising the value customers receive when connecting to a Netnod IX.
For more information on the Netnod One Port concept, you can watch the latest product update from our recent Netnod Meeting 2024 here.
If you want to find out more about any of these services or peering at the Netnod IX, contact one of our interconnection experts here.
