Welcome to the AIXP website!

IX and its Importance

by Erik Rowberg

What is an Internet Exchange?

An Internet exchange point (IX or IXP) is a physical infrastructure that allows different Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to exchange Internet traffic between their networks (autonomous systems) by means of mutual peering agreements, which allow traffic to be exchanged without cost. IXPs reduce the portion of an ISP's traffic which must be delivered via their upstream transit providers, thereby reducing the Average Per-Bit Delivery Cost of their service. Furthermore, the increased number of paths learned through the IXP improves routing efficiency and fault-tolerance. (WIKIPEDIA)

What is peering?

Peering is voluntary interconnection of administratively separate Internet networks for the purpose of exchanging traffic between the customers of each network. (WIKIPEDIA)

Scenario without an IX

Scenario with TIX

The Physical Part Includes:

  • Rack
  • Router(s)
  • Switches
  • Connections from ISPs, organizations
  • Statistical Server
  • Name Server
  • Redundancy

    • Objective of IXPs

    KEEP LOCAL TRAFFIC LOCAL

    Advantages of an IXPs

  • Reduce the cost of bandwidth to each ISP
  • Reduce the amount of FOREX leaving the country to pay for international routes to route local traffic
  • Increase speed and quality of LOCAL content
  • Promote and facilitate development and hosting of LOCAL content and applications
  • Promote advancement of the sector by creating a demand for skilled persons

    • Why is it all important?

  • The world is changing at an alarming pace, especially in the ICT sector
  • Soon Tanzania will have a mesh of International fiber cables
  • If we do not have a strong TANZANIAN Internet:
  • *then we risk becoming mere satellites of the Global Internet with no incentive to produce, share and export our own knowledge and innovation
    •
  • *we will be completely swallowed by globalization and will loose our identity and our sovereign place on the NET!
    •
  • It is a recognized fact that the development of the ICT sector is directly proportional to the development of the country in general

    • How we can all help

    TCRA: Continue supporting the establishment of upcountry Internet Exchanges
    TCRA: Work with IXs to inter connect
    TCRA: Protect and promote Tanzanian initiatives in the sector, especially those promoting development in under-served areas
    MoID: Continue to create a conducive environment to promote such advancements in the sector
    Universal Access Fund - expedite its establishment and deployment so that it can enhance rural access
    National Data Operators - Engage with TISPA with regard to carrying traffic between IXPs
    ISPs - pass on savings to end users and promote use of LOCAL internet more
    Media - inform the masses and users about advantages and potentials of a better Tanzanian Internet
    Users - Demand that your ISP is peering with an exchange!

    "Together we can!"

    Thank you for your attention. Erik Rowberg

    © 2007 - Arusha Internet eXchange Point.


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