Top 10 Internet Exchange Points Worldwide and Their Importance for Global Connectivity

The internet depends on a network of interconnected systems to deliver data across the globe. At the core of this infrastructure are Internet Exchange Points (IXPs)—neutral locations where multiple networks, including internet service providers (ISPs), content providers, and cloud services, exchange traffic directly through peering agreements.

Some IXPs handle terabits of data per second, making them critical hubs for global internet traffic. In this post, we’ll explore the top 10 IXPs worldwide, their locations, and their role in improving latency, bandwidth efficiency, and global connectivity.

1. DE-CIX (Deutscher Commercial Internet Exchange)

• Location: Frankfurt, Germany
• Founded: 1995
• Peak Traffic: Over 14 Tbps

Why It’s Important

DE-CIX Frankfurt is the world’s largest IXP by peak traffic and one of the most important hubs for internet connectivity in Europe. It connects thousands of networks globally and facilitates high-speed data exchange between ISPs, CDNs, and enterprises. DE-CIX operates additional IXPs across Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

Key Benefits

• Ultra-low latency for European and transatlantic traffic
• Major hub for cloud providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud
• Extensive peering opportunities for content providers

2. AMS-IX (Amsterdam Internet Exchange)

• Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Founded: 1994
• Peak Traffic: Over 12 Tbps

Why It’s Important

AMS-IX is one of the oldest and largest IXPs, providing connectivity for networks across Europe, North America, and Asia. Known for its carrier-neutral approach, AMS-IX serves major ISPs, content platforms, and gaming companies.

Key Benefits

• Supports global CDNs for faster content delivery
• Key point of access for video streaming services
• Reliable performance for real-time applications like gaming and VoIP

3. LINX (London Internet Exchange)

• Location: London, UK
• Founded: 1994
• Peak Traffic: Over 7 Tbps

Why It’s Important

LINX is a leading IXP for European and transatlantic traffic, making London a key hub for global connectivity. It connects more than 900 member networks, including media platforms, e-commerce companies, and financial services.

Key Benefits

• Essential for low-latency connections between Europe and North America
• Robust support for financial services requiring real-time data access
• Multiple locations across London for redundancy

4. Equinix IX (Formerly Known as ECIX)

• Locations: Global (with hubs in Frankfurt, Singapore, Dallas, and more)
• Founded: 2011
• Key Regions: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific

Why It’s Important

Equinix IX operates IXPs in multiple continents, providing a global platform for direct network interconnections. Its extensive network reach allows multinational companies to optimize performance across regions.

Key Benefits

• Seamless multi-region connectivity
• Direct connections to cloud services, including AWS and Azure
• Ideal for multi-national enterprises and cloud-first strategies

5. MSK-IX (Moscow Internet Exchange)

• Location: Moscow, Russia
• Founded: 1995
• Peak Traffic: Over 5 Tbps

Why It’s Important

MSK-IX is the largest IXP in Russia and a critical hub for Eastern Europe. It provides services to hundreds of networks across Russia, neighboring countries, and Asia.

Key Benefits

• Essential for domestic Russian traffic routing
• Low-latency access to regional content providers
• Supports cross-border data exchange with Europe and Asia

6. SGIX (Singapore Internet Exchange)

• Location: Singapore
• Founded: 2010
• Key Region: Asia-Pacific

Why It’s Important

Singapore is a key internet gateway for Southeast Asia. SGIX helps improve connectivity across Asia, including traffic between China, India, Australia, and the Middle East.

Key Benefits

• Strategic location for cross-continental traffic between Asia and Europe
• Improved bandwidth efficiency for gaming and streaming services
• Extensive peering with Asian ISPs and cloud providers

7. NYIIX (New York International Internet Exchange)

• Location: New York, USA
• Founded: 1996
• Peak Traffic: Over 2 Tbps

Why It’s Important

NYIIX is a crucial hub for internet traffic in North America. It connects major networks across the East Coast of the United States and serves as a gateway for transatlantic data exchange.

Key Benefits

• Low-latency connections to Europe and Latin America
• Key IXP for content providers and financial services
• Improved performance for East Coast-based users

8. HKIX (Hong Kong Internet Exchange)

• Location: Hong Kong
• Founded: 1995
• Key Region: East Asia

Why It’s Important

HKIX is one of the largest IXPs in Asia, serving as a regional hub for networks across China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. It plays a vital role in improving internet connectivity for businesses operating in East Asia.

Key Benefits

• Enhanced connectivity between Chinese networks and global providers
• Ideal for financial and trading platforms requiring low-latency data exchange
• Supports cross-border content delivery for Asian markets

9. JPNAP (Japan Network Access Point)

• Location: Tokyo and Osaka, Japan
• Founded: 2001
• Peak Traffic: Over 4 Tbps

Why It’s Important

JPNAP is Japan’s largest IXP, providing crucial infrastructure for domestic and international data exchange. It serves a large number of telecommunication carriers, cloud providers, and content networks.

Key Benefits

• High-speed connections for Japanese businesses and ISPs
• Optimized traffic routing between Asia-Pacific countries
• Strong support for gaming and real-time applications

10. NIX.CZ (Czech Neutral Internet Exchange)

• Location: Prague, Czech Republic
• Founded: 1996
• Peak Traffic: Over 2 Tbps

Why It’s Important

NIX.CZ serves as a regional hub for networks in Central and Eastern Europe. It connects numerous telecom providers, media platforms, and cloud services, improving local and cross-border connectivity.

Key Benefits

• Reduced latency for Central European users
• Strong peering ecosystem for regional ISPs
• Cost-effective bandwidth exchange for local businesses

Conclusion: IXPs Are Essential for Global Internet Connectivity

The world’s top Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) play a vital role in ensuring fast, reliable, and cost-effective internet performance. By reducing latency, optimizing routing, and supporting peering agreements, these IXPs enhance connectivity for millions of users worldwide.

Whether you are a content provider, ISP, or enterprise network, participating in major IXPs can significantly improve your service delivery and network efficiency.