CERN Internet EXchange Point (CIXP)

The CERN Internet eXchange Point (CIXP) is a carrier-neutral exchange point based at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland.

CERN is one of the largest sources of scientific data in the world. To distribute this data to hundreds of collaborating institutes worldwide, CERN requires excellent network connectivity. CIXP optimises CERN's internet connectivity and has been a driving force behind internet evolution in nearby France and Switzerland.

 

What is an IXP?

The Internet is a collection of networks which connect to each other at Internet Exchange Points located all over the world. The exchange points provide the physical infrastructure so that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can exchange internet traffic between their networks. Having many interconnections between networks allows traffic to take shorter paths.

Euro-IX (of which CERN is a member) provides a comprehensive and easy to understand explanation of IXPs and how they work.