In today’s increasingly interconnected world, the internet serves as the backbone of business and communication. At the core of how the internet works lies the concept of internet peering. While end users may not always be aware of this behind-the-scenes process, peering plays a critical role in optimizing internet traffic and enabling efficient data delivery. In this blog, we’ll dive into what internet peering is, how it works, and why peered traffic is often delivered directly to the end network instead of hopping through the internet.
WHAT IS INTERNET PEERING?
Internet peering is a mutual agreement between two Internet Service Providers (ISPs), networks, or entities to exchange traffic directly, bypassing third-party networks (also known as transit providers). This connection allows them to share data with each other at no cost, often at a specific interconnection point, typically located in a data center or Internet Exchange Point (IXP).
At a basic level, peering enables two networks to communicate directly, which results in a more efficient data transfer. This is particularly beneficial for ISPs, content providers, and large-scale companies who want to optimize the performance of their services, reduce latency, and cut costs by avoiding transit through intermediary networks.
THE ROLE OF INTERNET EXCHANGE POINTS (IXPs)
IXPs are physical locations where multiple networks interconnect to exchange traffic. These neutral platforms act as the meeting point for peering relationships, enabling networks to connect to each other directly without the need for third-party networks. When two networks establish a peering relationship at an IXP, the traffic between them stays within the local exchange, leading to lower latency and higher reliability.
HOW DOES PEERED TRAFFIC GET DELIVERED DIRECTLY TO THE END NETWORK?
When peering is established between two networks, the traffic between them does not follow the usual path across the broader internet infrastructure. Instead, it is routed directly from the source network to the destination network, bypassing intermediate networks. This can be achieved through a series of steps:
Direct Path between Networks: Peered networks advertise their routes to each other using Border Gateway Protocol (BGP). When a data packet is destined for a network with which it shares a peering relationship, the source network sends the packet directly to the destination network without the need for intermediary routers or networks.
Reduced Latency: Since the traffic is exchanged directly between networks at peering points, it does not need to traverse multiple hops through the global internet. This leads to a reduction in the number of routers the traffic passes through, minimizing the time it takes for the packet to reach its destination. As a result, the user experiences lower latency and faster speeds.
Bypassing the Public Internet: The most significant benefit of peering is that it avoids the public internet backbone. Instead of the data having to travel through several ISPs or transit providers, peering allows for a direct route, often at a local exchange point. This reduces congestion, eliminates unnecessary traffic, and prevents the packets from being subject to the unpredictable conditions of the broader internet.
Improved Network Efficiency: By establishing peering relationships, networks can better control their traffic flow. With more direct paths for data to follow, networks can offload a substantial portion of their traffic from their primary backbone infrastructure, freeing up bandwidth for other critical tasks.
Traffic Optimizations and Failover: In some cases, peering agreements also include multihoming, where the networks involved exchange multiple routes for redundancy. If one route becomes congested or unavailable, the traffic can quickly be rerouted through another peering connection. This enhances overall network reliability and ensures higher uptime for end users.
BENEFITS OF INTERNET PEERING
Cost Savings: By directly exchanging traffic with another network, providers can avoid paying for expensive transit services. This is particularly beneficial for high-traffic content providers like Netflix, YouTube, and Google, who benefit from large volumes of peered traffic.
Performance Improvements: Direct peering ensures that traffic follows the most efficient path, reducing the number of hops between networks. This reduces latency, improves download/upload speeds, and leads to a smoother overall experience for end users.
Reliability and Redundancy: Peering provides additional pathways for data to travel, ensuring that even if one route is down, there is another one available. This helps to reduce the likelihood of service disruptions and improves fault tolerance.
Better Control Over Traffic Routing: Peering allows networks to have more control over how their traffic is routed. Instead of relying on third-party ISPs to determine the best path for data, networks can negotiate direct routes that suit their specific needs.
Scalability: As networks grow, their need for bandwidth also increases. Peering relationships enable networks to scale efficiently by offloading traffic and avoiding the congestion and bottlenecks that can arise when using public internet infrastructure.
WHY DO PEERING RELATIONSHIPS MATTER FOR CONTENT DELIVERY?
For companies delivering content, particularly large-scale content providers like streaming services, gaming platforms, and cloud services, peering can be a game-changer. Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) rely on peering relationships to distribute their content as efficiently as possible.
When a CDN peers with an ISP, it can place its servers closer to the end user, ensuring that data is served from a nearby location instead of having to travel long distances. This reduces load times for websites, video streaming, and large downloads, improving the overall user experience.
CONCLUSION
Internet peering plays an essential role in the efficient operation of the internet, delivering traffic directly between peered networks without relying on third-party providers. This bypasses the broader internet backbone, reduces latency, and improves performance, especially for content providers and large-scale networks. As the demand for faster, more reliable internet continues to grow, understanding the importance of peering and how it optimizes traffic delivery will be crucial in ensuring an efficient and seamless online experience for end users across the globe.