Child pages
  • INX FAQ
Skip to end of metadata
Go to start of metadata

You are viewing an old version of this page. View the current version.

Compare with Current View Page History

« Previous Version 7 Next »

INX Frequently asked questions

Equipment and Connectivity

Q: What equipment is required for connecting to an INX?

A: You can connect to the INX switch fabric using either a suitable router, or a MetroEthernet service. INX switches have copper based Ethernet connections and singlemode or, at older locations, multimode fibre Ethernet interfaces available. You require a router that supports BGP4 since all peering is done using BGP.  BGP4 is supported on numerous devices from many vendors. Speak to your router vendor in order to obtain the best hardware. It is common to have dozens of BGP sessions with other members at the exchange and your hardware should be powerful enough to handle this, and the related traffic.

 

Q: Who can I get backhaul links to an INX from?

A: Backhaul links into the INXs are typically provided as either MetroEthernet or SDH circuits over fibre. You can approach any licensed ECNS holder to provide you with these services. A number of ISPA’s large and medium members will already have a point-of-presence (PoP) at or near the INX environment and may be able to provide these services.

For larger capacity circuits it may be feasible to obtain dark fibre pairs or DWDM wavelengths into the INX environment.

 

Q: Can I get wireless access to an INX?

A: Roof or tower space near the INXs is normally limited and it is preferable to connect to an INX via a fibre based circuit. Ultimately, it would be up to the facility provider to determine the rules and processes for installation of radio equipment.

 

Q: What’s the price of a link between Rosebank and Parklands Centre?

A: Existing cables between the Rosebank and Parklands cages are only for peering traffic on the switch fabric. We are not able to provide these links to members. Members should speak to the host or a licensed operator to obtain these cross-connects.

Services

Q: Can I get international bandwidth via an INX?

A: A connection to an INX merely provides you with the opportunity to exchange traffic with the other networks connected to the same INX.  Exactly what traffic you exchange depends on the arrangements you make with those other networks.  Some of the other participants may be willing to provide you with an international transit service. There is nothing in the INX policies preventing a member from offering such a service, but it is not a service that the IXP provides.

Hosting equipment

Q: Why can’t I host my server at an INX?

A: INX-ZA is not in the server-hosting business. Most of the INX participants provide hosting services, and INX-ZA does not want to compete with its own members. Technically, while it may seem appealing to host a server at a central location, there is a negligible difference in performance if the server is hosted on the network of an peering participant with a high-speed connection to the INX. From time to time certain exceptions may be granted to DNS server operators or monitoring services at the exchange. These exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis by the INX Committee.

Administrative

Q: How do I get hold of someone at the INXs?

A: All correspondence can be directed to ops [at] inx.net.za

 

Q: Is there a looking glass available? 

A: Yes, INX-ZA operates https://lg.inx.net.za that will show you a unified view across all INXes.  Packet Clearing House operates  https://lg.pch.net that is connected to DINX, JINX and CINX.


Q: How can I see statistics of the exchanges?

A: You can access statistics JINX here: http://stats.jinx.net.za
     You can access statistics CINX here: http://stats.cinx.net.za
     You can access statistics DINX here: http://stats.dinx.net.za

An exchange in other locations

Q: Why isn’t there an INX in location X?

A: INX-ZA is constantly on the look out for additional data centre facilities in order to either expand one of our existing INXs within a particular city or to develop new peering points in other towns and cities to encourage the local exchange of traffic. Please contact us to discuss any opportunities.

Policy

Q: Who sets the rules/policy for the INXes?

A: INX-ZA's Management Committee is in charge of INX policy. This committee is elected by participants at the exchange points and is responsible for developing and implementing policy, for the benefit of the peering community at the INXes.  As far as possible, the INX committee will give the exchange point user community an opportunity to comment on and reach consensus on any decisions regarding INX policy.  

 

  • No labels