What is an Internet Exchange?

The Internet is a worldwide network of networks. These different types of networks are connected together using the Internet protocol (IP). An Internet Exchange is a place where Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can interconnect these independent networks and exchange Internet traffic with each other. This exchanging of national and/or international IP traffic on an Internet Exchange is generally known as ’peering’.

Here at AMS-IX, members are easily able to connect up with each other and enjoy the full benefits of peering. Every member at AMS-IX is in the position to peer with any or all other connected ISP's although they are not required to. Each member might have a different peering policy, and this policy may differ depending on the ISP that is negotiating with them.

In order to settle the terms to which the IP exchange takes place ISPs use peering agreements which often do not include an exchange of money. This helps to reduce the costs of IP traffic in a significant way.

See the graphical overview how peering works.

Euro-IX shows a list of Euro-IX Member IXP's.