Internet Exchange FAQ

Ohio IX is an Internet exchange (IX), also known as an Internet exchange point (IXP) or peering point that allows Internet transport carriers, Internet service providers (ISPs), mobile and content providers, and other significant Internet users to exchange Internet traffic inexpensively through a common switch fabric usually on a settlement-free basis. Ohio IX reduces the portion of an ISP’s traffic that must be delivered via their upstream transit providers, thereby reducing the average per-bit delivery cost of their service. Furthermore, the increased number of paths learned through Ohio IX improves routing efficiency and fault-tolerance. By connecting to Ohio IX, members can peer with the router servers provided by Ohio IX, or with any other member, provided the members in question have reached a bilateral peering agreement.

Ohio IX offers its members complimentary use of redundant route servers to enhance scalability. Route servers enable members to take advantage of multi-lateral peering and thus immediately start exchanging routes, and traffic, with all other members also connected to the route servers. Use of multi-lateral peering via route servers also greatly reduces the configuration overhead compared to the traditional bi-lateral BGP mesh. Technical description of the Ohio IX Route Servers.

You can peer with any of the members of the Ohio IX
and a growing number of content providers. Full participant list.

Inside of the Cologix data center and carrier hotel in Columbus, Ohio. Access is also available via remote switch operators throughout the state who extend transport back to the Ohio IX core.  Ohio IX Topology.