Expanding Horizons: Embracing Global Connectivity via Remote Peering

Navigating the ever-changing networking landscape can be a difficult task for businesses, and even network operators themselves. Although different businesses have unique connectivity needs, they all share a common goal of providing fast, reliable, and secure connections to their customers, end users and their digital services.

Remote peering is a rising trend that allows businesses such as internet service providers (ISPs), content providers, network operators, carriers, and even enterprises, to exchange data and internet traffic. This exchange is enabled by Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), where the exchanging of traffic is known as peering. Businesses can peer with other businesses without being physically present at the peering location, making it easier to expand their global reach in a fast and cost-efficient manner.

Peering reduces latency and improves the performance of applications and services, thanks to shortening the distance that data travels to reach end users. It also provides direct access to an ecosystem of thousands of other peering members via a single connection.

Despite all these perks, establishing a presence at various IXPs can be difficult and costly without the appropriate knowledge or experience and without understanding the peering solution options available to them.

However, by partnering with an expert provider, there is an opportunity for businesses to overcome these challenges to deploy the right peering solution that allows them to achieve greater adaptability, scalability, and operational efficiency through a centralised peering connection.

The Different Types of Peering

Larger network providers may choose to deploy private interconnects to exchange internet traffic. But this is a relatively exclusive model. Most businesses will initially consider Direct Peering by deploying a fibre connection to an IXP located in the same data centre, and then ‘peering’ with other networks via the IXP. 

However, Direct Peering requires the business to be in the same location as the IXP, requiring resources such as space, power, hardware, and intricate cabling, making it difficult to manage. And as the business’ IP traffic volume grows, scaling and maintaining the network architecture becomes an even larger challenge.

A solution for this is Remote Peering, which enables businesses to connect to an IXP without requiring a physical presence at the same location. This makes it easier and more cost-effective to access multiple IXPs around the world, without incurring additional installation expenses or needing to colocate in the same facility. In contrast to Direct Peering, Remote Peering offers a flexible and seamless way to connect to IXPs worldwide.

Remote Peering is an appealing option for businesses looking to expand their global network coverage while keeping operating expenses under control. Businesses can connect to a multitude of networks via multiple IXPs, all through a single interconnection port. They can also improve network redundancy by distributing connectivity requirements across several IXPs – utilising the ideal balance of physical and remote peering connections to guarantee uninterrupted service for their customers and end users.

Unlocking Remote Peering Success with NaaS

Collaborating with an experienced Network as a Service (NaaS) provider is one of the best ways for businesses to get started with Remote Peering. These providers offer assistance in flexibly scaling network and peering services to match evolving demands, along with the convenience of accessing additional network services via a NaaS platform with a simple click. 

Remote Peering with a professional provider unlocks numerous opportunities and key advantages for businesses. It facilitates direct and extensive connectivity to global IXPs without the need for physical presence, while also allowing for bandwidth adjustments to meet specific needs.

Businesses can mitigate network latency by minimising the number of hops between service providers, achieving optimal performance for bandwidth-sensitive applications. This approach eliminates the need for significant upfront investments, as businesses only pay for the necessary bandwidth and connections. 

An expert provider can also handle all IXP memberships and onboarding processes, consolidated under a single contract, to streamline the business’ peering journey. Businesses can overcome the expenses and time constraints associated with maintaining physical presence at multiple IXPs, since preferred peering partners are conveniently accessible through a single interconnection port.

Seamless Network Integration

In today’s always-on digital world, businesses must ensure seamless end-user experiences through high-performance connectivity, no matter the location. 

Remote Peering is a versatile solution that can help businesses to overcome common networking challenges, meet customer demands and tap into a network of partners and opportunities by connecting to IXPs worldwide without physical presence. It presents a reliable and cost-efficient option for establishing a presence in new markets and expanding globally.

Businesses can simplify the complexities of peering by collaborating with an expert NaaS provider, benefitting from a team of experts dedicated to their success. In addition to immediately addressing a variety of networking challenges, it enables businesses to add longevity to their network architectures and achieve long-term success across the globe.