Since this series began in 2003, Internet Exchanges (IXs) have established themselves as an essential element of the greater global network infrastructure landscape. Over the past several years, PeeringDB has built an incredible database for the world’s Internet Exchanges, the facilities that house them, the networks that connect with them, and more. This 2021 research correlates the live PeeringDB data via a custom API populated below with the original 2003-2005 Meet Me In research to create a unique analysis of the North American network interconnection landscape.

Between the where, how and why, the why is the most important. It is the reason behind wanting to know where and how. The "why" is that by aggregating demand to a point, a single physical address or facility at that address, buyers enjoy access to wholesale rates as opposed to retail rates with savings as great as 90% (just like buying at Costco or Sam's Club versus a convenience store). The "why" to seek out an Internet Exchange (IX) goes beyond this wholesale rate. IXs can reduce costs even further by handing off Internet traffic directly to the destination, avoiding ISP transit costs, but more importantly, saving time (just like a direct airline flight versus having to connect). This is referred to as reducing latency. So, in short, neutral meet points and IXs save time and money.

For all of the economic development and elected government officials out there, why is this important to know? It is important because if you do not have a neutral meet point and IX in your community, it means that all of your residents, students, and busineses must leave your community to get to the content and applications they desire on the Internet. This equates to higher costs and longer wait times and specifically means that "the Internet" does not exist where you are. Those that have this network-neutral infrastructure in their community have a tremendous advantage over those that do not. Which one are you?

Read more about the history of this research series