Jul 20, 2020
An Internet Exchange Point (IXP) acts as a virtual intersection where multiple networks interconnect and bilaterally exchange traffic, known as peering. Instead of going through an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to access a website, organizations and businesses have a direct connection without going through the middleman.
At times, an IXP is similar to a metro airport with the internet having regionally located hubs that assist with the delivery of data and information. The Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) serves as a hub for traveling passengers while the Detroit Internet Exchange (DET-iX) acts as a crucial hub for delivering information and data. Instead of airline companies centrally gathering at airports to exchange passengers, ISPs peer together at IXPs to transfer mass amounts of data.
IXPs boast many benefits to members and those associated with them such as:
1. REDUCING COSTS
Normally, traffic is exchanged freely between members of an internet exchange. By having direct interconnection, traffic stays local, instead of routing from one service provider to another. Thus, reducing latency and costs via an ISP’s upstream provider. Depending on overall traffic, upstream ISPs would be charging per megabit for content transferred which can be costly and add up over time.
2. REDUCING LATENCY
Network latency, the time it takes for data to go from the source to the destination, is measured in milliseconds. By peering locally at an IXP, members shorten their path to internet destinations hosted behind other IXP member networks, reducing latency, improving round-trip time and overall costs.
3. STRENGTHEN LOCAL INTERNET CONNECTIVITY
Academic institutions, content providers, carriers and businesses benefit by exchanging traffic locally versus transiting traffic to their ISP.
Internet Exchange Members can be any organization or business that has an autonomous system number (ASN) and advertises IP addresses using the border gateway protocol (BGP). Many times, content providers peer with ISPs to get their content in the hands of the customers as well as peering with other content providers at IXPs.
The DET-iX was founded in 2014 with five members. As of May 2020, it has grown to 48 members and continues to rise to new heights. It is one of the largest not-for-profit internet exchange points in the world. DET-iX connects Michigan communities and businesses, allowing members to pass direct traffic freely.
ABOUT DET-IX
The Detroit Internet Exchange (DET-iX) is a not-for-profit Regional Internet Exchange Point (IXP) with a switching fabric expanding throughout Southfield, Michigan. Membership and ports are free. The collaboration of carriers, ISPs, Content Providers, and Enterprise Businesses connected to DET-IX allow for traffic to be exchanged freely, rather than paying to make the connection. This not only reduces the cost of exchanging traffic but provides localization of traffic for the 4.5 million inhabitants of the Detroit metro area. For more information, visit www.detroitix.com.
ABOUT 123NET
123NET is a Michigan-based Internet Service Provider (ISP) focused on equipping businesses with an industry-leading data center, network and voice services. Over a dozen Fortune 500 companies and thousands of Michigan businesses trust 123NET to provide them with world-class connectivity. Home of the Detroit Internet Exchange (DET-iX), 123NET operates one of the largest carrier-neutral data centers and peers with technology leaders such as Google, AWS, GM and others.
OUR MISSION: BUILDING NETWORK TO MAKE MICHIGAN COMMUNITIES AND BUSINESS THE BEST CONNECTED ON THE PLANET.
Jul 8, 2020
SOUTHFIELD, MI., July 8, 2020 – 123.Net Inc. (123NET), a Michigan data center and network services provider, is planning to turn up five dark fiber small cell sites in Port Huron with a large national carrier over a 10-year-period. This will let the carrier expand its wireless network through their own robust cellular connectivity that can be customized to meet their needs.
These small fiber cell sites will operate on 123NET’s Dark Fiber backbone within Port Huron, which has reached over 1,500 lit buildings across the State of Michigan. These installations will connect directly from the small cells to a central office via several fibers.
123NET Carrier Relations Manager Bob Evenson said this is a fantastic way to help out our carrier partners and increase connectivity for Port Huron.
“It’s really great to see how 123NET continues to help our carrier partners on both the cell backhaul and wireline side of our business. In this case, we have a larger tier 1 wireless provider looking to connect their small cell sites in Port Huron for the next 10 years and beyond,” Evenson said.
This dark fiber network backbone will help make Port Huron one of the strongest connected communities in Michigan and provide bandwidth speeds comparable to other large cities across the USA.
The turn-up of these small fiber cell sites will occur in the fall of 2020. 123NET looks forward in partnering with carriers to further connect Michigan communities and businesses.
ABOUT 123NET
123NET is a Michigan-based Internet Service Provider (ISP) focused on equipping businesses with an industry-leading data center, network and voice services. Over a dozen Fortune 500 companies and thousands of Michigan businesses trust 123NET to provide them with world-class connectivity. Home of the Detroit Internet Exchange (DET-iX), 123NET operates one of the largest carrier-neutral data centers and peers with technology leaders such as Google, AWS, GM and others.
OUR MISSION:
BUILDING NETWORK TO MAKE MICHIGAN COMMUNITIES AND BUSINESS THE BEST CONNECTED ON THE PLANET.
ABOUT DET-iX
The Detroit Internet Exchange (DET-iX) is a not-for-profit Regional Internet Exchange Point (IXP) with a switching fabric expanding throughout Michigan. Membership and ports are free. The collaboration of carriers, ISP’s, content providers and enterprise businesses connected to DET-IX allows for traffic to be exchanged freely, rather than paying upstream service providers for the connection and traffic. For more information, visit www.detroitix.com.
