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An Internet exchange point (IXP) is shared physical network infrastructure where independent networks can interconnect and exchange Internet traffic. The exchange operator provides a shared Layer 2 network, commonly Ethernet; participating networks use routing protocols such as BGP to decide which routes to exchange and where to send traffic. Connecting to an IXP does not automatically connect a network to every other participant.
What an IXP is—and what it is not
The IETF describes IXPs as facilities for IP data interconnection, typically using shared Layer 2 networking such as Ethernet. In practical terms, an operator runs a shared switching fabric, and participating networks connect their routers to it. The fabric supplies the common data-link connection; it does not itself decide which networks exchange traffic.
RIPE NCC uses a more specific definition in its address-assignment guidance: a physical Layer 2 infrastructure operated by one entity to facilitate traffic exchange between Internet service providers. For that policy definition, RIPE NCC specifies at least three connected ISPs and a clear, open policy for others to join. Those are RIPE NCC’s address-assignment criteria, not a universal legal definition that applies everywhere. RIPE NCC guidance; IETF RFC 7947.
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How an IXP works
- The operator provides the fabric. The IXP operator maintains the shared Layer 2 switching platform and the policies for connecting to it.
- Networks connect their routers. Each participant arranges a connection to the exchange and configures its router for the networks and routes it wants to reach.
- Participants exchange routing information. Networks commonly use Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) to advertise reachability information. That information helps each participant’s router select a path to destinations.
- Traffic travels over the fabric when routes call for it. Participant routers use the shared connection to exchange data traffic according to their routing decisions and agreements.
BGP announcements are not the same thing as user traffic. They tell routers which destinations can be reached through particular networks; the routers then forward packets over the selected path. RFC 7947.
How peering choices and route servers fit in
Peering is the arrangement between networks to exchange traffic and routing information. Participants choose which networks to peer with, whether directly or using a route server. Joining the same IXP fabric alone does not create a peering relationship with every participant.
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Bilateral peering
With bilateral peering, two networks establish a BGP session directly with each other. This gives each pair direct control over its session and route policies, but creates more sessions to configure and maintain as the number of peers grows. RFC 7948’s illustrative example shows that a full mesh among four routers requires six BGP sessions; that is a topology example, not a measurement of typical exchange operations.
Route-server peering
A route server distributes routing information among participating clients according to its configured policy. It can reduce the need for every participant to establish and manage a separate BGP session with every other participant, while each network retains its own routing-policy choices. The route server brokers route announcements; it does not forward the participants’ user traffic across the exchange. RFC 7948 describes route distribution while preserving the BGP NEXT_HOP attribute. IETF RFC 7948.
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| Approach | How routes are exchanged | Operational considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Bilateral peering | Each selected pair of networks establishes a direct BGP session. | Direct pair-by-pair control, with session administration increasing as more peers are added. |
| Route-server peering | A shared route server distributes announcements to its clients under configured policy. | Can reduce session-management overhead; participants still choose their own policies and peers. |
The exchange’s technical and membership policies determine how connections and route-server participation work in practice. RFC 7947; RFC 7948.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why networks connect to an IXP
Direct interconnection can let networks exchange traffic without sending those routes through an upstream transit provider. Depending on which networks participate, the routes available, traffic patterns, and commercial arrangements, this can shorten a path and potentially lower latency or costs. These are possible outcomes, not guarantees for every participant or connection. IXPs also provide a shared place for different kinds of networks, including ISPs and content delivery networks, to interconnect. RIPE Labs: What is an Internet Exchange Point (IXP)?.
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In brief
- An IXP is shared physical Layer 2 infrastructure for interconnecting independent networks.
- BGP exchanges routing reachability information; participant routers forward traffic over the fabric according to their routes.
- Networks choose their peering relationships, so IXP membership does not mean automatic exchange with every participant.
- A route server can simplify multilateral route distribution, but it is not a user-traffic forwarding device.
- Potential path, latency, or cost benefits depend on participants, routes, traffic, and arrangements.
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