A Proposed Architecture for Distributed Internet eXchange Points in Developing Countries

An Internet eXchange Point (IXP) is a network facility that enables the interconnection of more than two independent Autonomous Systems (AS), primarily for the purpose of facilitating the exchange of Internet traffic. IXPs have been a key element of the Internet architecture and their importance as the ideal location for Content Delivery Networks (CDN) wishing to bring content closer to their customers has enhanced this position. IXPs have witnessed increased traffic levels as a result of delivering video from these CDNs. IXPs operate; as independent regional IXPs, as interlinked IXPs using commercial links or as interlinked IXPs using owned links. In developing countries it is clear that the development of IXPs in regions cannot be commercially justified as in similar population centres across developed countries. This leaves the developing country citizens from regional areas at a disadvantage in terms of future Internet services. This paper presents a model to create a distributed IXP (dIXP) with mini IXPs (mIXP) in regional cities and towns. The mIXP is managed centrally, removing the regional skill-set issue as a barrier to implementation.