Internet Exchange-a solution towards cost　effective and quality Internet access

摘要

To speed up the spread of the Internet in India, the cost of Internet connectivity and bandwidth must bernreduced and the quality of service improved. One of the most effective mechanisms to accomplish bothrncost and quality benefits is the Internet Exchange Point (IXP). An IXP interconnects Internet servicernproviders (ISPs) in a region or country, allowing them to exchange domestic Internet traffic locally withoutrnhaving to send those messages across multiple international hops to reach their destination. For instance inrnthe absence of an IXP in India the Internet traffic originating from one ISP with a destination of anotherrnISP being just miles away has to make a round-the-world trip, thus consuming international bandwidthrnwhich if saved would result in savings of foreign exchange to the country (and also give quality Internetrnaccess to the Users) This paper introduces the concept of Internet Exchange and gives out some of thernreasons for the need of Internet Exchange in India. It also briefly discusses the Infrastructure required forrnan IXP as also its Organisation and Management. India today has an Internet subscriber base of justrn3.3Million as against the target of 230 Million for the year 2007, and it can be achieved only if the cost ofrnInternet access is brought down and quality improved. IXP is one of the solutions towards achieving thisrntarget.