This section discusses how we scale multiple peerings with our network, using what is known as an Internet Exchange Point.

Internet Exchange Points are open neutral interconnects where network operators (with their own Internet resources) are able to freely interconnect. An IXP is the most efficient and effective way of scaling interconnections between network operators in any one location.

Lots of information about IXPs is available from many locations, including the Euro-IX website, the |IXPDB, as well as in the links noted at the foot of the page.

The section describes how to participate at an Internet Exchange Point. The description is high level as each and every IXP will have their own nuances, variations on the general theme. Discussion with the IXP operator is important to understand their requirements.

We won't discuss why joining an IXP is important - the Value of Peering has already covered why peering is essential for a network operator's business.

Nor will we discuss which IXP to join - there are many factors involved, but common advice is to join the “local IXP” as that will host network operators with similar common interest, content, and customers, and likely will give the best peering opportunities.

Every Internet Exchange Point will have some form of requirements to join them so you can participate in peering there.

Requirements can be as simple as:

• Agreeing basic best practice behaviours
• Agreeing how to access the location, building, datacentre (both for putting connectivity in there, as well as for human access for maintenance work)
• For non-profit member driven IXPs, becoming a member of the IXP
• For commercial IXPs, agreeing and signing a contract of engagement
• Understanding how to establish peering (be it bi-lateral with other members, or via the IXP's Route Server infrastructure)
• Understanding how to use the IXPs member portal (IXP Manager or other).
• Agreeing on any annual cost sharing or fees for the IXP

Once the administrative aspects have all been agreed and finalised, we can get on with the task of connecting to the IXP and reaping its benefits.

Connecting to the IXP involves multiple stages, from getting to the location, to physically connecting to the IXP ethernet switch.

First we need to get to the location where the IXP has been established, usually in a datacentre or some independent or neutral data housing facility. These days access is mostly by using fibre optic, which the network operator will arrange with the fibre optic provider. And there are many possibilities here too, depending on the country or region of the world:

• dark fibre (fibre pair for exclusive use for the network operator)
• a wavelength on DWDM network
• fibre bundle installed by the network operator themselves

Where it is not possible to get fibre access, other methods include point-to-point microwave or 802.11-based links, traditional TDM leased lines. In some locations the only option may even be by L2VPN over MPLS infrastructure (not ideal).

Next is getting from the connection media entry point to the IXP switch itself. This is usually done by the building operator (most don't want 3rd parties installing anything inside their premises). The end result is that there will be a fibre or ethernet presentation at or near the IXP switch, usually in a separate patch panel. This usually depends on whether the network operator connecting is going to locate a router at the IXP (usually recommended when the media to get to the IXP location is not fibre optic), or simply connect from their own point of presence directly to the IXP.

This assumes the network operator will install their own router. For this, agreement with either the IXP or the building operator to locate a router is needed (and involve fees to cover the space, power needs, air-conditioning, and remote hands). This router will very likely NOT be installed in the IXP equipment rack but elsewhere in a common user space. The router is usually only a single rack unit tall (it needs one interface to connect to the IXP, and another interface to connect back to the network operator's main network) so the space requirements are minimal.

The fourth and final stage of connecting to the IXP is plugging the network operator infrastructure into the IXP itself. Most IXP switches today are fibre optics based, with ports supporting 1Gbps or 10Gbps depending on the fibre optic transceiver (SFP) installed. There are two possibilities here:

1. The IXP membership fee includes providing an SFP for the member to connect to the switch. It's more likely for the IXP to have an inventory of SFPs for their particular brand of switch. In this case the new member only has to provide a suitable SFP for their router - or if their router has no fibre port, the IXP has to use an SFP that supports an RJ45 copper connection instead. The IXP will also patch their switch to the member infrastructure (whether it is a single mode fibre optic patch lead, or Cat6 ethernet cable if fibre is not feasible).
2. The member has to bring their own SFP to connect to the IXP switch. The IXP operator simply provides the switch, and it is up to the member to procure and provide the SFP and the suitable single mode fibre optic patch lead to get from their installation to the IXP switch. The IXP (or building operator) will still do the install though.

This content is sourced from many contributors, including:

• IXP Design Presentation - Philip Smith
• Value of Peering Presentation - Philip Smith
• BGP Videos - Network Startup Resource Center

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