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Q: |
What is NIX? |
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A: |
NIX is the
Nigeria Internet Exchange, a center point for local
traffic exchange between network operators and IP
providers. Click
here
to find out more.
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Q: |
Is NIX an
ISP or a transit provider? |
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A: |
NIX is not
an ISP and not a transit provider. NIX is an Internet
Exchange Point for ISPs, transit providers and network
operators.
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Q: |
What is an
Internet Exchange? |
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A: |
The
Internet is a global network of networks. An Internet
Exchange (IX or IXP) is a physical infrastructure that
allows these different types of independent networks to
interconnect using the Internet Protocol (IP) and
exchange Internet traffic between their independent
networks (autonomous systems) by means of mutual peering
agreements.
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Q: |
What is
peering? |
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A: |
Peering is
the voluntary interconnection of separate independent
networks for purpose of exchanging traffic between their
networks. Peering arrangements at an exchange reduce the
need to send IP traffic through an upstream provider,
which is eventually destined for a local network.
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Q: |
What is
Autonomous System Number (ASN)? |
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A: |
An
autonomous system is a collection of IP networks and
router under the control of one entity (or sometimes
more) that presents a common routing policy to the
Internet. Autonomous System Number (ASN) is a unique
number allocated to each autonomous system for use in
BGP routing, which identifies such network on the
Internet.
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Q: |
Why should
I connect to NIX? |
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A: |
The
advantages of interconnecting at NIX are numerous, but
the primary reasons are cost, latency, and bandwidth.
Traffic passing through an exchange is typically not
billed by any party, whereas traffic to an ISP's
upstream provider is. This helps to reduce the costs of
IP Traffic in a significant way. One of the largest
costs facing any ISP nowadays are the upstream capacity
costs of connections. Peering arrangements at an
exchange reduce the need to send IP traffic through a
bandwidth upstream provider when the traffic is destined
for a local network user.
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Q: |
Who is
connected to NIX? |
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A: |
The
pioneer members connecting at NIX are listed
here.
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Q: |
What port
capacity does NIX offer? |
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A: |
NIX offers
interconnection between networks at 100M and 1G port
speeds.
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Q: |
What
peering model does NIX operate? |
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A: |
The NIX
operates a MMLPA-Mandatory Multi-Lateral Peering
Agreement. This means that each member must have a
peering session with every other member through the NIX
route servers.
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Q: |
Does NIX allow private peering? |
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A: |
Yes. NIX allows
private interconnection (intrasite) between NIX members.
Partners in private peering must be NIX members,
that is, they must also have peering sessions with the
NIX route servers.
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Q: |
What are
the requirements for becoming a NIX member? |
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A: |
- You must be a recognised
legal entity.
- You must have an ASN (Autonomous System Number)
and use BGP4 for peering.
- Your business must include
Internet transmission of third party content or services; or
IP related.
- You must be licensed to
operate such business, if a license is required.
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Q: |
How do I
become a member of NIX? |
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By
following the instructions pointed out in the
Joining Procedure.
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Q: |
What are
the costs of connecting to the NIX switching platform? |
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A: |
Costs of
connection to the physical infrastructure of NIX are
listed on the
Fees & Charges
page.
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Q: |
Are there
any other costs involved in a connection to NIX? |
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A: |
In
addition to the cost of connecting to the NIX physical
infrastructure, you must also pay the one-time joining
fee as well as the membership fee, which is paid
quarterly. Cost of your connection, such as leased
circuit, to any NIX location is your responsibility. The
costs of housing your equipment within the co-location
center but outside the NIX suite is also your
responsibility. Within the NIX suit you will be entitle
to 1U of rack space.
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Q: |
Who will I
contact for technical support, NIX or the Co-lo?
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A: |
For
technical issues relating to your presence within the
NIX suite, such as your equipment, you should contact
NIX.
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Q: |
Who will
arrange cable installation and management? |
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A: |
A
completed connection form allows NIX to plan and perform
the necessary admin, configuration and wiring/cabling
work to allow you to connect. All cables within the NIX
suite will be properly labeled and managed by NIX.
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Q: |
Where can
I find information on the NIX locations? |
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A: |
Currently
operating NIX locations can be found
here.
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