search
close-icon
Data Centers
PlatformDIGITAL®
Partners
Expertise & Resources
About
Language
Login
Connect with us
banner
Article

What Is Internet Peering, and Why Is It Beneficial?

Ben Gonyea
March 27, 2014


The world of data center services is full of terms that can get very confusing if you’re not familiar with the industry. From power density to carrier neutrality and everywhere in between, keeping up on these terms can seem like a job of its own.

Here at Digital Realty, however, we want to make your entry into the world of data centre services as painless as possible—and that includes talking you through the terminology that’s present all around the industry.

What is internet peering?

Put simply, Internet peering or network peering is the interconnection of networks, allowing those networks to exchange traffic. While the actual science and process behind internet peering is a bit more complicated than that, it all really boils down to a connection of networks and the exchange and sharing of data.

Here at Digital Realty, we do this through our Digital Realty Internet Exchange (TIE) (How Can Internet Exchange Help My Business?) which allows ISPs, content and gaming providers, enterprises, and others to quickly and easily exchange IP traffic. Digital Realty Internet Exchange is a neutral, privately-owned and managed Internet Exchange Point, or IXP.

What are the benefits internet peering?

Internet Peering or network peering has many benefits, especially compared to the alternative of purchasing transit and paying another company to carry your traffic. Some of the benefits of internet peering include:

  • Efficiency: Network Peering increases efficiency by reducing redundancies and improving network performance. It creates a better, more open Internet, and ultimately is a great way to give your end users better service.
  • Resiliency: By connecting to Digital Realty Internet Exchange, you increase your network resilience. You’re no longer limited to one ISP or one network which is responsible for distributing all of your traffic; by spreading out your network, you end up with a more resilient and robust distribution solution.
  • Cost-effectiveness: Internet peering is much more cost-effective than paying another company to carry your traffic—you can reach a much broader ecosystem with peering than you would be able to otherwise. What’s more, Internet Exchanges also tend to be hubs for competition, once again often driving prices down and giving better service to your end users.
  • Speed and monitoring: Peering has the added benefit of incredible speed. Through Digital Realty Internet Exchange, customers can connect and peer at speeds ranging from 1 Gbps to 10+ Gbps. With Digital Realty, you’re also able to monitor metrics so that you can see what performance you’re getting through our exchange.

Internet exchanges like Digital Realty Internet Exchange can connect you to ISPS, to enterprises, to customers around the world, and more, enabling the growth of your business in ways not possible before peering existed. The ultimate source of efficiency and network expansion, peering is a great benefit to your business that you should seriously consider adding if you haven’t already.

Types of Internet Peering

Public peering and private peering are two methods of interconnecting networks to facilitate the exchange of data and traffic.

Public Peering

Public peering involves the connection of different networks, often ISPs, content providers, and other entities, at Internet exchange points (IXPs). These exchange points act as hubs where various networks come together to exchange traffic and data. Public peering is typically used for routing data to and from a wide range of destinations across the internet. It offers benefits such as improved network efficiency, reduced latency, and access to a diverse array of connected networks. Public peering is suitable for organizations that want their data to be accessible to a broad audience and for those seeking to optimize global connectivity.

Advantages of Public Peering

  • Global Reach: Public peering enables networks to reach many destinations worldwide through a single connection point.
  • Network Efficiency: By directly exchanging traffic at IXPs, networks can optimize data routing and reduce the distance that data needs to travel.
  • Cost-Efficiency: Public peering allows networks to share the costs of infrastructure and maintenance associated with an IXP.
  • Diverse Connectivity: Networks can connect with a wide variety of ISPs, CDNs, and other entities, enhancing the overall reach and reliability of their services.

Private Peering

Private peering involves a direct connection between two specific networks, often established through dedicated physical connections or virtual circuits. This type of network peering is typically chosen by organizations that require a higher degree of control, security, and predictability in their data exchange. Private peering is common among large enterprises, data centres, cloud service providers, and content-heavy platforms.

Advantages of Private Peering

  • Direct Connectivity: Private peering offers a dedicated and direct connection, reducing the potential for data congestion and improving overall performance.
  • Security: Since data exchanges occur between specific networks, private peering provides a more controlled environment, reducing exposure to potential security threats.
  • Predictable Performance: With fewer intermediary networks involved, private peering can provide more consistent and reliable data transfer speeds.
  • Customized Solutions: Organizations can tailor the peering arrangement to their specific needs, adjusting factors like bandwidth and routing.

Want to learn more about peering or Internet exchanges and how they can help your business? Connect with us via the contact page of our site.

What is an example of network peering?

Network peering is when two separate Internet service providers (ISPs) establish a direct connection for internet exchange between their networks. For example, ISP A and ISP B might peer to directly exchange data without routing through a third-party network.

What are the benefits of high-level peering?

High-level peering offers several advantages, including reduced latency, improved network performance, and cost savings. It allows direct exchange of traffic, enhancing the overall quality of service for end users.

What is a peering point on the Internet?

A peering point, also known as an Internet Exchange Point (IXP), is a physical location where multiple ISPs and networks connect to exchange traffic. It acts as a central hub, facilitating efficient data exchange and enhancing Internet connectivity.

Why is peering required?

Peering is essential for the efficient and direct exchange of traffic between different networks. It helps minimize reliance on third-party networks, reducing congestion and improving network performance for users.

What is a peering connection?

A peering connection is a direct link established between two networks at a peering point. It enables data exchange without the need to route through other networks, resulting in faster and more reliable data communication.