Peering is the connection of one network operator to another network operator to exchange traffic originated by each network operator.

The vast majority of peering does not attract traffic charges - it is known as “settlement-free peering”.

Peering can take place in two forms:

1. Private peering is where there is a private connection between the two network operators for the purpose of exchanging traffic.
2. Public peering takes place at a public peering point, commonly known as an Internet Exchange Point (IXP).