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NAPAfrica IXP

What is an Internet Exchange Point (IXP)?

The Internet is a global system of interconnected networks – essentially a network made up of many, many other networks.

Courtesy of Euro-IX

An Internet Exchange point or IXP is a set of physical infrastructure (routing and switching equipment, etc.) where enterprises, network operators, CDN’s and cloud services providers interconnect in order for Internet traffic to be exchanged between themselves and others who are connected to the exchange. The primary role is to keep local Internet traffic within local infrastructure. Benefits include lower network costs, reduced latency and better bandwidth by avoiding data routing through upstream Internet service providers.

What is Peering?

Peering is a process by which two Internet networks agree to connect and exchange traffic. It allows them to directly hand off traffic with one another, without having to pay a third party to carry that traffic across the Internet for them. Peering is distinct from transit, the more usual way of connecting to the Internet, in which an end user or network operator pays another, usually larger, network operator to carry all their traffic for them.

Features and Benefits

Peer at Africa’s largest Internet exchange from Teraco’s data centre facilities.  NAPAfrica IXP offers direct access to over 300 unique networks (ASNs) servicing over 20 countries in the southern African region.  Peering at NAPAfrica is 100% free – no cross connect, membership, or port fees.

Features of NAPAfrica IXP:

Neutral, layer 2 Internet eXchange point (IXP)
IPv4 and IPv6 are available;
Flexible and scalable connectivity available from fast Ethernet to 100 Gigabit Ethernet;
Available within vendor neutral Teraco data centre facilities.

Benefits of Peering at NAPAfrica:

100% free peering: no membership or port fees;
Multi-lateral peering arrangements available;
Bi-lateral peering arrangements available;
The greatest carrier diversity in Africa;
The most content and cloud onramps available in Africa;
The largest active peering community in Africa;
An open marketplace where all clients can do business with one another, without restriction;

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