What is an Internet Exchange Point (IXP)?

An IXP is where networks plug into each other directly instead of paying a middleman to carry their traffic. IXPs reduce latency, lower transit costs, and increase network resilience. Major IXPs like DE-CIX Frankfurt, AMS-IX Amsterdam, and LINX London handle terabits of traffic per second. For data centre operators and tenants, proximity to an IXP is a key site selection factor because it enables direct peering relationships and reduces the cost of moving data. Carrier-neutral colocation facilities near IXPs command premium pricing because of the interconnection density they offer.