The exponential growth of global cloud, content, and digital communication is significantly increasing the demand for efficient internet traffic exchange worldwide. With over 5 billion internet users as of April 2023 and internet traffic predicted to reach 150.7 exabytes monthly primarily due to video content consumption, the need for robust and scalable networking solutions has never been greater. This article explores how Remote Peering solutions can optimize network infrastructure, providing cost-effective, scalable, and efficient connectivity for global organizations.

The Foundation of Internet Connectivity

The Internet is essentially a network of networks, and its efficiency depends on how well these networks interconnect. There are three primary methods of interconnecting and exchanging traffic on the Internet:

1. Direct connection facilitated by a transit provider
2. Dedicated and private interconnection established directly between two or more networks
3. Peering at an Internet Exchange Point (IXP), allowing members to interconnect with one another

What is Peering?

Peering involves the direct exchange of internet traffic between networks at an IXP. This method improves internet performance, reduces dependency on third-party transit providers, and provides a faster and more reliable experience for end-users by minimizing the number of hops data must make.

Traditional Peering Challenges

Traditional IXP access, or Direct Peering, requires organizations to have a physical Point of Presence (PoP) at the IXP. This approach is often complex and costly, involving hardware installation, additional fees for connections, and managing multiple supplier relationships. For many global organizations, the costs and logistical challenges make traditional Direct Peering increasingly impractical.

The Emergence of Remote Peering

Remote Peering offers a compelling alternative to traditional Direct Peering. It enables organizations to connect to an IXP without being physically present at the exchange point. Instead, they can connect via a service provider with pre-existing connections to the peering platform.

Benefits of Remote Peering

1. Cost Efficiency: Remote Peering significantly reduces the costs associated with physical infrastructure, including hardware installation, colocation, and ongoing maintenance fees. By eliminating the need for a physical PoP at each IXP, businesses can achieve substantial cost savings.
2. Scalability and Flexibility: Remote Peering allows businesses to access multiple IXPs using a single interconnection port. This flexibility enables them to expand their peering relationships without the need for extensive physical infrastructure.
3. Improved Network Performance: By connecting to a broader range of networks at different IXPs, businesses can enhance network performance and reduce latency. Remote Peering provides the flexibility to establish peering connections at strategic locations, ensuring lower latency and improved reliability.
4. Operational Simplicity: Remote Peering simplifies network management. Businesses can bypass the complexities of managing multiple IXP relationships, as the service provider handles these aspects, often under a single contract and end-to-end SLAs.

Comparing Remote Peering with Direct Peering

Feature	Direct Peering	Remote Peering
PoP Requirement	Requires physical PoP at the IXP	No physical PoP needed at the IXP
Hardware Requirements	Requires hardware installation and maintenance	No hardware deployment, reducing costs
Port and Cross-Connect Setup	Separate physical port and cross-connect for each IXP	Single interconnection port for multiple IXPs
Vendor Management	Manage individual IXPs with different SLAs	Single contract and managed relationships

 

Practical Implementations and Use Cases

Scenario 1: European Network Consolidation

A business consolidating its Direct Peering services with five IXPs across Europe into a single 100G Remote Peering interconnection port realized significant cost savings. The consolidated setup reduced the need for multiple physical ports and colocation expenses, resulting in a 40% reduction in annual costs.

Scenario 2: Asia and Europe Network Integration

Another example involves a company integrating its Direct Peering services with five IXPs (two in Asia and three in Europe) into a single 100G Remote Peering interconnection port. This setup included a Data Centre Interconnect (DCI) between Asia and Europe. The consolidated approach reduced costs by 14%, streamlining operations and enhancing network performance.

Enhancing Network Reach and Performance

Greater Reach

Large Internet Exchanges typically facilitate connections with a few hundred IP networks worldwide. By leveraging Remote Peering providers connected to multiple leading IXs globally, businesses can exponentially increase their network reach. For example, a single interconnection port can enable remote peering with several IXPs, expanding global reach and access to a vast peering community.

Improved Network Performance

Remote Peering enhances network performance by enabling easier connections with a wider range of networks at different IXPs. This leads to improved network performance and reduced latency. Network administrators gain greater control over traffic routing, bypassing intermediate networks and congestion points, resulting in faster and more reliable connectivity.

Simplified Operations and Cost Savings

Operational Simplicity

Remote Peering simplifies the process of joining an IXP and establishing a peering policy. Autonomous systems handle the rest, eliminating the need for businesses to individually create and manage connections with numerous networks present at the exchange.

Cost Savings

Remote Peering offers significant cost savings compared to Direct Peering. By consolidating peering services and eliminating the need for extensive physical infrastructure, businesses can reduce operational costs. This makes Remote Peering an attractive option for networks seeking to expand their peering relationships without incurring high expenses.

Conclusion

As global internet traffic continues to surge, driven by video content and digital communication, the need for efficient and scalable networking solutions becomes increasingly critical. Remote Peering presents a cost-effective, scalable, and efficient alternative to traditional Direct Peering, enabling businesses to optimize their network infrastructure and deliver exceptional digital experiences.

By reducing costs, improving network performance, and simplifying operations, Remote Peering allows organizations to expand their global reach and meet the demands of today’s digital world. The practical implementations and use cases highlighted demonstrate the tangible benefits of adopting Remote Peering solutions, making it a valuable strategy for optimizing network infrastructure.