TELEHOUSE TUTELAGE: Peering 101
April 20, 2017Understanding Network Interconnectivity
Peering, simply defined, is the interconnection of two different networks, allowing them to directly exchange traffic between one another, and organizations to reach each other’s customers. Public peering is performed across a shared network and relies upon Internet Exchanges (IXs) to function and deliver content across the world. An Internet Exchange is an Ethernet switch or set of Ethernet switches in a colocation facility, to which all networks peering in the facility can connect. Using an IX, a network can cost-effectively peer with hundreds of other networks through a single connection.
Private peering within a colocation facility involves two networks putting routers in the same building and running a direct cable between them rather than connecting via the exchange point switch. This is common when the networks are exchanging a large volume of traffic that won’t fit on a shared connection to an exchange point.
Most major population centers have an Internet Exchange. Because of the significant network density available in these key locations, a variety of businesses, including cloud and content providers, financial services companies, global enterprises and public sector agencies choose to deploy their infrastructure within these facilities. This allows them to leverage the direct interconnection options available by cross-connecting with multiple network providers. Peering arrangements need to be negotiated with each peer, but no new cabling needs to be deployed, unlike private peering.
One of the main advantages of an IX is that it lowers the need for a third-party network to support data retrieval requests. This reduces the chance of a potential traffic bottleneck, which would increase latency. By utilizing an IX peering platform, companies can bypass congested IP transit routes and select which network it sends its traffic, thus improving performance for its end users.
Some Internet Exchanges are distributed platforms connecting multiple data centers. This means organizations can reach all connected networks in a metro region via the shortest route, regardless of which data center the networks are located. Among the many benefits of colocating with TELEHOUSE America is the ability to connect to NYIIX, our state-of-the-art peering exchanges in New York, Los Angeles and Philadelphia. NYIIX currently has seven peering locations in the New York-New Jersey metro area.
Telehouse is a Gold Sponsor of the Global Peering Forum (GPF) 12.0 taking place April 24-27 in New York City. The annual event promotes interconnection and converges decision-makers from global ISPs, Content Delivery Networks, cloud and interconnection service providers.
If you would like to learn even more about peering and how it helps businesses to connect faster, operate more efficiently and lower costs, download our informative eBook.
