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As a physical infrastructure, an Internet Exchange (IX) allows different networks to exchange Internet traffic. Various Internet Service Providers (ISPs), content providers and others delivering services over IP interconnect directly through an exchange instead of through third-party networks. By connecting directly to an IX, a service provider’s network traffic doesn’t have to potentially travel great distances to get from one network to another. Direct interconnection to an Internet Exchange provides a number of advantages for the service provider, business and end user, including: • Cost – When service providers connect to the Internet via networks, they most likely have to pay companies for data routed through their networks. However, a service provider can negotiate peering agreements with other service providers in the Internet Exchange. In essence, they agree to exchange traffic, which lowers or eliminates routing costs. • Latency – The number of “hops” the servers need to make among networks to deliver data to its final destination is reduced in an Internet Exchange. Service providers that exchange traffic by peering with each other reduce round-trip delays and create value to the all users local to that region. The IX also enables better routing and allows the service provider greater control over how it routes its traffic. This power allows the provider more autonomy and lets them better manage their resources. • Bandwidth – With applications becoming more bandwidth-intensive, the Internet Exchange will play a bigger role in network configurations. Examples include teleconferencing, videoconferencing, VoIP, gaming, Video On Demand, Software Distribution, Peer-to-Peer File Sharing, and more. These bandwidth hogs will continue to put greater demands on network performance. • Resilience – Because the Internet Exchange is comprised of many service providers, organizations gain connectivity from all the members in the IX. Therefore, the risk of being impacted from any single provider’s failure is greatly minimized. The nature of the IX creates contingencies and redundancies. • Service Provider Competition – Because suppliers can be evaluated against each other, organizations will benefit from a flexible, competitive marketplace. Lower prices, better service and the ability to easily switch among providers are major hallmarks of the IX. Leveraging a Colocation Provider’s Internet Exchange Colocation provider CyrusOne developed its National Internet Exchange to deliver interconnection across states and between metro-enabled sites. The National IX unites 12 CyrusOne sites within its current facility footprint and will bring other locations online soon. Customers access the IX platform for high-performance, low-cost data transfer and accessibility. They can combine solutions across data centers and metro areas for both production and disaster recovery requirements. CyrusOne’s Internet Exchange delivers a robust national connectivity solution. In addition, each CyrusOne data center provides the following benefits: • Hundreds of available providers ensure the best flexibility, cost management and control. • Freedom to choose dedicated MPLS port arrays or “pay as you eat” scalability. • Numerous peering options – endless scalability for peering protocols via BGP or 802.1Q. • All CyrusOne on-net facilities offer low-cost IX ports. CyrusOne currently provides more than 1,000,000 square feet of colocated floor space in top tier data centers across the nation. The company operates colocation facilities in various centers of business including Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Cincinnati, Chicago, Phoenix, London and Singapore. CyrusOne serves enterprise clients in many industries, including energy, oil and gas, medical, technology, finance and consumer goods and services.
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