Internet exchange point
Internet nodes are the nodes or network elements of the Internet, they serve as exchange points for the data traffic of the Internet. At an Internet node are multiple providers, often several hundred, so joined that they (mostly cost-neutral ) can exchange traffic between their respective networks. How can very quickly retrieve content from a content distributor, for example, customers of a cable operator.
Common one is to use the acronym for IXP Internet Exchange Point. In the U.S. the term NAP (Network Access Point) is more common. It is further distinguished between public and private peering peering points. The IXP listed below are only for the public peering points.
Internet nodes representing a transport hub between commercial Internet providers are also referred to as the Commercial Internet eXchange ( CIX ).
Operation
Certain Internet nodes serve as interfaces between computer networks (LANs, MANs and WANs). The entire composite as autonomous systems designated networks (ie, the individual providers) is the Internet. The system, according to the interconnected networks to form an overall composite and packets are transmitted therein is governed by the Internet Protocol.
Worldwide, there are about 340 IXPs, of which about 165 are in Europe and 80 in North America. World's largest CIX ( commercial or Internet nodes ) is the DE- CIX in Frankfurt am Main. The composite Euro -IX was initially an association of operators of European IXPs; now the members are positioned worldwide.
Many major Internet nodes consist of several buildings, the network infrastructure is interconnected. The increasing space requirements of IXPs is less due to increasing bandwidth as the growing number of hosts that are placed directly in an IXP. Smaller Internet nodes serve primarily as an uplink for regional carriers. The data exchange between the participants ( provider or network operator ) is governed by a so-called Peering Agreement. This agreement states that both providers (mostly free) traffic, so may manage traffic in the network of another provider, for example, to reach its end customers.
Great Internet nodes by Internet Service Providers (ISPs ) typically used in order to save costs and to reduce the dependence of the upstream providers (larger network operator). Increase Furthermore internet nodes, the efficiency and the reliability of data exchange. The cost of the operation are shared generally by the participating ISPs. Typically, the operator of Internet - connected node charges fees on each port, the cost of a port depends on its data transfer rate ( currently 10 Mbps to 100 Gbps).