Originally posted on Data Center POST

Interconnection: The Foundation and Future of the (Private) Internet  

The internet has become the most important way to connect and communicate in business. Enterprises are looking for networks that offer high quality and cost-effective connectivity without limitations but as technology advances, the cracks in the public Internet’s transformative strengths are starting to show. With issues such as crippling latency, complexity, and security, businesses need to rethink the way they approach connectivity. Direct access to cloud services is key for many enterprises, so a strong connection to global cloud service providers and cloud hubs is necessary. The future of improved performance, enhanced security, reduced complexity, greater flexibility will rely on interconnection. 

What does Interconnection mean? 

According to DE-CIX, the world’s leading neutral Internet Exchange (IX) operator, interconnection is simply a connection between two or more parties to exchange data, and it is critical to today’s enterprises. The benefits are endless and because most businesses now rely on platform-based models rather than traditional on-premise systems, they need to have the ability to assemble solutions using third-party components that share data across ecosystems. Interconnection with global network operators allows enterprises to exchange data with partners, suppliers and customers, who are also connected to these platforms around the world. 

How does Interconnection work? 

An Internet Exchange (IX), or Internet Exchange point (IXP), is an interconnection platform that allows different parties to come together and interconnect their technologies. Internet Exchanges were invented to keep data flowing from one network provider to another through peering. Peering is a process that ensures affordable and timely traffic flow directly between networks. Today, companies ranging from healthcare to finance are enjoying the benefits of connecting to Internet Exchanges. 

What are the benefits of Interconnection? 

By connecting to an Internet Exchange and using its interconnection platform for services, you can isolate your connection from the public Internet to simplify and control your network infrastructure. Based on DE-CIX’s Beyond the Internet white paper, the four key benefits of an Internet Exchange service are:

  • Improved performance
  • Enhanced security
  • Reduced complexity 
  • Greater flexibility

Improved Performance: Internet Exchange services are a key tool for optimizing connectivity outside of the Internet. These services allow enterprises to interconnect directly with each other or with third parties in order to exchange traffic directly. This means that data doesn’t have to travel through multiple networks before reaching its destination, which reduces latency and increases performance.

Enhanced Security: The Internet is a highly complex, interdependent network and is notoriously insecure and unreliable. The direct connection between businesses and the rest of the world means that anyone with access to the Internet can potentially access confidential applications and networks. Interconnection allows for bypassing of the public Internet and enables businesses to eliminate security risks and control the pathways of critical data.

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