DE-CIX

Last updated
DE-CIX
DE-CIX GERMANY - Switch Rack (6218137120).jpg
Full nameDE-CIX
Founded1995
LocationFlag of Germany.svg  Germany
Website www.de-cix.net
Members3000+ [1]
Ports110 [2]
Peak15.29 Tbit/s [3]
Daily (avg.)9.72 Tbit/s [3]

DE-CIX (Deutsche Commercial Internet Exchange) is an operator of carrier- and data-center-neutral Internet Exchanges, with operations in Europe, North America, Africa, the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia. All DE-CIX activities and companies are brought together under the umbrella of the DE-CIX Group AG. [4]

Contents

The DE-CIX internet exchange point (IXP) situated in Frankfurt, Germany, [5] is one of the largest IXPs worldwide in terms of peak traffic, with throughput of 14.40 Tbit/s in December 2022. [6] [7] [8] In addition to DE-CIX in Frankfurt, DE-CIX operates IXPs in approx. 40 locations around the globe, with 3 further IXs exchanging peak traffic in excess of 1 Tbit/s, these being DE-CIX New York, DE-CIX Madrid, and DE-CIX Mumbai, [9] [JP2] with DE-CIX Mumbai becoming the largest IXP in the APAC according to PeeringDB in 2021 [JE3].

The DE-CIX global IXs (including presence in partner IXs) include:

Europe: Barcelona, Berlin (powered by BCIX), Bucharest (powered by InterLAN), Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Istanbul, Leipzig, [10] Lisbon, MadridMarseille, Munich, Palermo, Prague (powered by NIX.CZ), Ruhr-CIX powered by DE-CIX, SEE-CIX powered by DE-CIX in Athens and Warsaw (powered by ATMAN)

Nordics: Copenhagen, Esbjerg, Helsinki, Kristiansand, Oslo

Africa: Kinshasa (DRC), Lagos (Nigeria), and Tripoli (Libya)

North America: Chicago, Dallas, New York, Phoenix, and Richmond

GCC: Aqaba IX powered by DE-CIX in Jordan, UAE-IX powered by DE-CIX in Dubai), IRAQ-IXP powered by DE-CIX

India: Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, [11] and Kolkata

Southeast Asia: Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Bandar Seri Begawan (Borneo-IX powered by DE-CIX) and Manila (powered by GetaFIX)

Management board

Ivo Ivanov (CEO), Thomas King (CTO), Christian Reuter (CSO) and Sebastian Seifert (CFO) are responsible for the global business as the Management Board. [12] Felix Höger, Klaus Landefeld, Rudolf van Megen and Harald A. Summa represent the Supervisory Board of DE-CIX Group AG. In addition, Harald A. Summa was the Managing Director of DE-CIX Group AG from 1996 to 2022 and Chair of the Management Board from 2017 to 2022.

History

DE-CIX was founded in 1995 by three Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Back then, German Internet traffic was still exchanged in the United States. To improve latency and reduce costs for backhaul connectivity, three providers decided to establish an Internet Exchange in the back room of a postal office in Gutleutviertel in Frankfurt. Hamburg-based MAZ, EUnet from Dortmund and XLink from Karlsruhe were the first to connect their networks in Frankfurt at DE-CIX.

DE-CIX was originally managed by Electronic Commerce Forum, now known as eco – Association of the Internet Industry. Other providers joined and made DE-CIX and Frankfurt the hotspot for the German internet. In 1998, DE-CIX moved its switching hardware to the Interxion data center in Frankfurt.

By 2000, DE-CIX had become Germany's largest Internet Exchange and was ranked as one of the larger Internet Exchanges in Europe. DE-CIX added its second switching site at the Interxion campus in 2001 [13] and a third site in close proximity to its original roots at the TelecityGroup data center in 2004.

Until 2006, Cisco switches supported the growth in customers and traffic. DE-CIX extended its reach to additional data centers, introducing Force10 and Brocade switches and scaling the platform to over 700 10-Gigabit ports. Over the years, DE-CIX has attracted networks from all over the world, especially from Eastern Europe, leading to an annual traffic growth rate of up to 100 percent per year.

In 2012, DE-CIX began its international expansion with the establishment of its first IX outside of Germany, UAE-IX powered by DE-CIX, together with partner du/datamena, in Dubai. [14] Following this, in 2014, DE-CIX established its first IX in North America with the launch of DE-CIX New York. [15] Further expansions followed in close succession, in Southern Europe in 2016, [16] in India in 2018 in India with Mumbai-IX powered by DE-CIX, [17] later to become DE-CIX Mumbai, and in 2021 in Southeast Asia. [18]

Current

In September 2022, more than 3,000 network operators (carriers), Internet service providers (ISPs), content providers, corporate networks and other organizations from more than 100 countries were connected to DE-CIX, including major carriers, content and Internet service providers, and numerous enterprise customers. The company operates approx. 40 IXs on 4 continents, [19] and its interconnection services are accessible from data centers in 600+ cities worldwide.

In September 2022, a data throughput of 13.65 terabits per second [20] was achieved at DE-CIX Frankfurt for the first time. According to its Annual Report 2021, DE-CIX had a connected customer capacity of over 96.2 Tbit/s at the end of 2021. [21]

The IX operator experienced massive growth during the Covid-19 pandemic, regularly breaking traffic throughput records. [22] DE-CIX Frankfurt, for example, exceeded 9 tbit/s peak traffic for the first time in March 2020, and 10 tbit/s in November of the same year. [23]

In 2013, DE-CIX introduced DE-CIX Apollon, its new Ethernet-based platform. Today, the platform utilizes the ADVA Optical Networking FSP 3000 and Infinera CloudExpress 2 gear for the optical backbone, and Nokia’s 7950 XRS series and Nokia’s 7750 SR-s series for the IP network. The optical backbone has a total capacity of 48 Terabits per second across a mesh-network topology and provides transport speeds of up to 8 Terabits per second per fiber. [24] DE-CIX Apollon is built on the best possible platform components, delivering high-availability peering with full 100G, 400G and even 800G [25] Ethernet capabilities. DE-CIX Apollon utilizes state-of-the-art DWDM equipment and is built on a switching layer supported by Nokia (former Alcatel-Lucent) service routers, which support up to 1440x100 Gigabit Ethernet ports or up to 288x400 Gigabit Ethernet ports.The setup of the platform is completely redundant and there is 24/7/365 fault monitoring in place.

In 2017, DE-CIX began to develop interconnection services for the enterprise sector, beginning with the introduction of DirectCLOUD, a service that enables customers to access cloud service providers.  In 2022, the DirectCLOUD service enables connectivity to more than 50 cloud service providers, including specialized local CSPs and global hyperscalers. [26] Other interconnection services specifically designed for the needs of enterprises include: the Microsoft Azure Peering Service, [27] Closed User Groups, [28] and InterconnectionFLEX.

In 2019, DE-CIX was one of 3 IX operators to jointly develop the IX-API, which provides the basis for the automation of interconnection services over IXPs. [29]  In 2021, DE-CIX received a patent for its security service “Blackholing Advanced”, which enables innovative filtering mechanisms in the protection of networks against DDoS attacks. [30]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Metropolitan area network</span> Computer network serving a populated area

A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a computer network that interconnects users with computer resources in a geographic region of the size of a metropolitan area. The term MAN is applied to the interconnection of local area networks (LANs) in a city into a single larger network which may then also offer efficient connection to a wide area network. The term is also used to describe the interconnection of several LANs in a metropolitan area through the use of point-to-point connections between them.

In computer networking, peering is a voluntary interconnection of administratively separate Internet networks for the purpose of exchanging traffic between the "down-stream" users of each network. Peering is settlement-free, also known as "bill-and-keep," or "sender keeps all," meaning that neither party pays the other in association with the exchange of traffic; instead, each derives and retains revenue from its own customers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">London Internet Exchange</span> Internet exchange point in London

The London Internet Exchange ("LINX") is a mutually governed Internet exchange point (IXP) that provides peering services and public policy representation to network operators. It was founded in 1994 in London. LINX operates IXPs in London, Manchester, Scotland and Wales in the United Kingdom and Northern Virginia in the United States.

Internet exchange points are common grounds of IP networking, allowing participant Internet service providers (ISPs) to exchange data destined for their respective networks. IXPs are generally located at places with preexisting connections to multiple distinct networks, i.e., datacenters, and operate physical infrastructure (switches) to connect their participants. Organizationally, most IXPs are each independent not-for-profit associations of their constituent participating networks. The primary alternative to IXPs is private peering, where ISPs directly connect their networks to each other.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amsterdam Internet Exchange</span> Internet Exchange Point in the Netherlands

The Amsterdam Internet Exchange (AMS-IX) is an Internet exchange point based in Amsterdam, in the Netherlands. Established in the early 1990s, AMS-IX is a non-profit, neutral and independent peering point.

The MAE was the first Internet Exchange Point (IXP). It began in 1992 with four locations in Washington, D.C., quickly extended to Vienna, Reston, and Ashburn, Virginia; and then subsequently to New York and Miami. Its name stood for "Metropolitan Area Ethernet," and was subsequently backronymed to "Metropolitan Area Exchange, East" upon the establishment of MAE-West in 1994. The MAE predated the National Information Infrastructure plan, which called for the establishment of IXPs throughout the United States. Although it initially had no single central nexus, one eventually formed in the underground parking garage of an office building in Vienna, VA.

The Commercial Internet eXchange (CIX) was an early interexchange point that allowed the free exchange of TCP/IP traffic, including commercial traffic, between ISPs. It was an important initial effort toward creating the commercial Internet that we know today

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Giganews</span> Usenet/newsgroup service provider

Giganews, Inc is a Usenet/newsgroup service provider. Founded in 1994, Giganews service is available to individual users through a subscription model and as an outsourced service to internet service providers. Well-known ISPs that have outsourced Usenet access to Giganews include RCN Corporation, BT, WOW!, and Kingston Communications.

IPTP Networks is an international telecommunications company. Founded in Cyprus as a System Integrator in 1996, it developed into an international group over the next decade. IPTP Networks operates a global backbone as a Tier-1-class-network Internet Service Provider (ISP) providing connectivity through 225+ PoPs worldwide.

Interxion is a European provider of carrier and cloud-neutral colocation data centre services. Founded in 1998 in the Netherlands, the firm was publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange from 28 January 2011 until its acquisition by Digital Realty in March 2020. Interxion is headquartered in Schiphol-Rijk, the Netherlands, and delivers its services through 53 data centres in 11 European countries located in major metropolitan areas, including Dublin, London, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, and Madrid, the 6 main data centre markets in Europe, as well as Marseille, Interxion’s Internet Gateway.

Manchester Network Access Point was a Manchester-based internet exchange point (IXP). The access point provides an exchange point for internet service providers and businesses in northern England and the Midlands and was the first Internet Exchange point in the UK outside London.

PeeringDB is a freely available, user-maintained, database of networks, and the go-to location for interconnection data. The database facilitates the global interconnection of networks at Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), data centers, and other interconnection facilities, and is the first stop in making interconnection decisions.

UAE-IX is a carrier- and data center-neutral internet exchange point (IXP) situated in Dubai (UAE). It interconnects global networks, network operators and content providers in the GCC region. Founded in 2012, UAE-IX is built on a fully redundant switching platform located in two data centers in Dubai, Datamena and Equinix. Initiated by the UAE’s Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA) and fully managed by DE-CIX, UAE-IX delivers a local alternative for regional traffic exchange, localizing Internet content.

DE-CIX New York is a carrier and data center-neutral internet exchange point in the New York/New Jersey metro owned and operated by DE-CIX North America Inc.

France-IX is a Paris-based Internet exchange point (IXP) founded in June 2010 as a membership organisation. As of 21 July 2021 it interconnects more than 496 members, making it the largest IXP in France.

Mumbai Internet Exchange is a Mumbai-based Internet exchange point (IXP) founded on 15 August 2014 as Mumbai Convergence Hub is an Open Carrier Neutral Internet Exchange & Peering Hub. As of 30 March 2021 it interconnects more than 375 members, making it the largest IXP in India and surrounding region.

DATAIX is an Internet exchange network between telecom operators and content generators in Europe and Asia. According to the Internet Exchange Report by Hurricane Electric Internet Services, DATAIX is one of the largest networks in the world by the number of participants. Its peak traffic, the size of which exceeds 5,3 Tbit/s. The headquarters of the company is located in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

The Internet Exchange Point Of Nigeria (IXPN) is a neutral and not-for-profit Internet exchange point (IXP) founded in 2006 by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in partnership with the Internet Service Providers Association Of Nigeria (ISPAN). Among other things, IXPN was created to reduce connectivity costs in millions of dollars in offshore internet bandwidth payments, reduce latency from 900 milliseconds to 30 milliseconds for local content, serve as the central point for connecting Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) towards the development of National Research and Educational Network (NREN). As at April 2022, IXPN is the 5th largest IXP in Africa by number of peers, and 3rd in Africa by traffic according to Packet Clearing House’s IXP directory

References

  1. "About DE-CIX". DE-CIX. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  2. "Connected networks".
  3. 1 2 "Statistics".
  4. Janović, Inga. "De-Cix-Chef Harald Summa: „Internet? Spannend war das nicht"". FAZ.NET (in German). ISSN   0174-4909 . Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  5. "Latest News | News". BroadGroup. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  6. "DE-CIX Frankfurt traffic statistics". DE-CIX – we make interconnection easy. Anywhere. Retrieved 2023-03-01.
  7. "Internet Exchange Directory | PCH". www.pch.net. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  8. "DE-CIX: Datenrekord parallel zum Fußball-WM-Halbfinale | News". heise online (in German). Retrieved 2023-03-01.
  9. "India's largest IX operator surpasses 500 connected networks". DataCenterNews Asia Pacific. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  10. "Netzknoten DE-CIX Leipzig: "Datenturbo für Mitteldeutschland"". heise online (in German). Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  11. "DE-CIX Mumbai is now the largest Internet Exchange in APAC". DE-CIX – we make interconnection easy. Anywhere. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  12. "Ivo Ivanov ist neuer CEO bei De-Cix". www.it-business.de (in German). Retrieved 2022-10-28.
  13. DE-CIX 2 goes online golem.de, 2 May 2001 (German).
  14. "DE-CIX to support UAE-IX platform in the Middle East". Capacity Media. 2012-09-19. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  15. DE CIX New York Launch - the movie , retrieved 2022-11-11
  16. "DE-CIX Madrid celebrates its fifth anniversary well surpassing 200 connected networks" . Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  17. "Mumbai-IX Powered by DE-CIX Establishes Presence at Netmagic DC5". www.businesswire.com. 2018-01-11. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  18. "DE-CIX launches into South East Asia". Capacity Media. 2019-12-03. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  19. "Global interconnection ecosystem". DE-CIX – we make interconnection easy. Anywhere. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  20. "DE-CIX Frankfurt traffic statistics". DE-CIX – we make interconnection easy. Anywhere. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  21. "DE-CIX Annual Report 2021". DE-CIX – we make interconnection easy. Anywhere. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  22. "DE-CIX Continues to Observe Evolving Internet Usage Behaviors in the Wake of COVID-19". March 27, 2020. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  23. "DE-CIX: 32 exabytes of data flowed through internet's veins in 2020". IT Brief Australia. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  24. "DE-CIX Apollon platform". DE-CIX – we make interconnection easy. Anywhere. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  25. "Telecompaper". www.telecompaper.com. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  26. "Find the cloud service providers you need". DE-CIX – we make interconnection easy. Anywhere. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  27. "Microsoft Azure Peering Service (MAPS)". DE-CIX – we make interconnection easy. Anywhere. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  28. "Closed User Groups". DE-CIX – we make interconnection easy. Anywhere. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  29. "IX-API: Simplify your IX services". DE-CIX – we make interconnection easy. Anywhere. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  30. "DE-CIX receives patent for new "Blackholing Advanced" Service Available in Frankfurt, New York and Madrid". May 20, 2021. Retrieved 2022-11-11.