Aka Ekene, PBA Journalism MenteeThe Internet has become an essential tool for billions of people worldwide. However, the majority of users are unaware of how the Internet works, which enables them to access information from any corner of the world.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reported that 155 million people in Nigeria access the Internet through narrowband, while 84 million others use broadband infrastructure to access the Internet. To improve the quality of service and reduce transmission costs, Internet exchange points (IXPs) have been established across the country.
READ ALSO: Network Infrastructure: NCC Tasks MTN, Airtel, Glo, Others On Sustainable Energy
IXPs’ Reach and Expansion
IXPs have played a critical role in developing advanced Internet ecosystems in Asia, Europe, and North America. The number of IXPs is increasing in Africa, despite the relatively challenging economic and telecoms environment in this region. Notably, Nigeria has witnessed significant growth in the number of IXPs, with approximately five IXPs currently established in the country. The establishment of an IXP enables local Internet service providers (ISPs) to save on international transit costs, reduce latency, and enhance performance, which can increase usage.
Why Must Businesses Connect, Peer?
The significance of IXPs was highlighted at the first webinar series of the year, organised by Rack Centre, titled “Interconnection and Peering: The role of IXPs and Peering to drive traffic efficient business and ecosystem growth in Nigeria.” Local and regional businesses were encouraged to leverage peering and interconnection through IXPs to drive traffic-efficient business continuity and growth in Nigeria and West Africa.
The Role of IXPs in Improving Internet Penetration
Muhammad Rudman, Chief Executive Officer of IXPN, emphasised the significance of IXPs in improving Internet penetration, highlighting that they help to interconnect all network operators towards the exchange of traffic, which is the foundation of any digital economy. Rudman noted that IXPs remain a critical piece of infrastructure needed to help improve Internet access by ensuring that Internet traffic is localised, making it faster and more affordable.
IXPN’s Infrastructure
Rudman disclosed that 90 per cent of Internet traffic in Nigeria is mainly on mobile devices, and there is a need for traffic to shift to other devices. He identified infrastructure, interconnectivity, content application, and cloud as critical technical infrastructure required to support Internet ecosystem growth in the region. There are now 110 connected networks on the exchange point, with seven points of presence (PoP) in Lagos and IXPN’s presence in Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu.
The Need for Multiple IXPs in Regional Markets
Obinna Adumike, Head of Interconnection and Exchange Platforms at AF-CIX, highlighted the necessity for multiple IXPs to be present in regional markets to improve the quality and reliability of the Internet. Adumike pointed out that many Automated Systems Numbers (ASN) are currently not accounted for within the interconnection and peering space, particularly in sectors such as finance and education. Getting these sectors into the peering and interconnection space would deliver better service to their clients and students.
The Advantages of Local Internet Traffic for Businesses
Ben Ryall, Edge Strategy Manager at Meta, explained that keeping Internet traffic local places businesses at an advantage, as it helps to reduce cost and improve reliability. While competition helps drive reliability in the market, competition from the mobile network operators (MNOs) against the ISPs has kept the latter from growth because they operate on the same frequencies. Prices are not borderless, and therefore they are not allowed to grow.
The Commercial Viability of IXPs
Yolandi Cloete, Peering and Interconnect Specialist at NAP Africa, noted that the challenge regarding the commercial viability of IXPs lies with the understanding of peering. The webinar highlighted that the benefits of peering and interconnection are not limited to ISPs and network operators, as businesses in other sectors can also benefit from improved Internet access and performance. The growing popularity of cloud computing, online content delivery, and e-commerce further emphasize the need for reliable, high-speed Internet connectivity.
The webinar urged businesses to take advantage of the existing Internet exchange points in Nigeria, which can help them reduce the cost of international transit and improve their service quality by exchanging traffic locally. As more businesses connect to the exchange points, the ecosystem will grow, attracting more content providers and users, and driving further growth and development.
In conclusion, the webinar emphasized the importance of Internet exchange points in improving Internet access and performance, promoting business growth and continuity, and driving the development of a vibrant Internet ecosystem. With the increasing importance of the Internet in our lives and the growing demand for high-speed connectivity, it is essential for businesses and policymakers to recognize the critical role that IXPs play in achieving these goals.
Follow Us