What is an IXP and what is peering?

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An Internet Exchange Point is where Internet networks come together to peer or exchange traffic between their networks. Peering is a process by which two Internet networks connect and exchange traffic.

Internet exchange points are not Internet service providers. While they allow network operators to exchange traffic with other network operators, an exchange point will not sell you anything resembling complete Internet connectivity. They are, instead, one of the building blocks around which the Internet is built.

 

Want to know more about what an IXP is?

Read more about Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) here.

Check out this film by the Euro-IX, explaining what what an IX is and it's role in the Internet ecosystem.

 

 

What is peering?

Peering is a process by which two Internet networks connect and exchange traffic. It allows them to directly hand off traffic between each other’s customers, without having to pay a third party to carry that traffic across the Internet for them. Peering is distinct from transit, the more usual way of connecting to the Internet, in which an end user or network operator pays another, usually larger, network operator to carry all their traffic for them.

Want to know more about what peering is?

Read more about peering here.
 

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Educational resources
Educational resources
What is an IXP?
An Internet Exchange Point (IXP) is where networks connect and exchange traffic. Find out more about who can benefit from an IXP, how networks typically connect, and the technical details of how an IXP works.
Educational resources
What is peering?
Peering allows multiple networks to connect and exchange traffic. Find out how peering helps cut costs and increase the resilience, speed and performance of networks. This peering overview explains the different types of peering arrangements and what you need to do to get started.
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IX FAQ
Here we answer some of the most common questions about peering, IXPs and Netnod IX.