An Internet Exchange (IX) or Internet Exchange Point (IXP) provides a means for network providers, Internet service providers (ISP) and content providers to connect locally to exchange data more efficiently. Users can take advantage of faster, higher performing, lower latency routing and may also see lower costs from reducing traditional internet usage through a third party.
1GbE and 10GbE ports are free to participants. ark, which hosts IdahoIX in its purpose-built data center in Boise, Idaho, charges a monthly fee of $125 for single-mode fiber cross-connects with a one-time install fee of $125 for cross connects to IdahoIX.
A cross connect is a physical data cable, usually copper or single-mode fiber, between one tenant’s equipment in their colocation space and another tenant at the data center. IdahoIX only accepts single-mode fiber type cross connections.
Peering is the IP traffic exchanged between participants on the IX. Participants use Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) to peer with the IX route servers or bilaterally peer directly with another participant. Once BGP peering is established, participants can exchange routes of their own public IP ranges.
IdahoIX participants can peer with IX route servers or bilaterally peer directly with another participant. Once BGP peering is established, participants can exchange routes of their own public IP ranges.
Anyone who has a valid Autonomous System Number (ASN) from ARIN can connect to IdahoIX.
Ask your Internet Service Provider if they are participating in IdahoIX. If they are not currently, ask them to join! You can also ask your provider for information on how to get an ASN and public IP space.
IdahoIX will issue IPv4 and IPv6 transit for connecting to the exchange. Contact ARIN to get IP space for your organization.
You need and 1GbE or 10GbE port, and ASN, a router or server that supports BGP version 4 or newer and a physical connection to IdahoIX, either directly in the ark Boise Data Center at 2653 S. Victory View Way, Boise, ID, or a connection from a local connectivity service provider.
You can become an IdahoIX participant by filling out the IdahoIX Participant Application Form.
IdahoIX is operated by ark and is therefore not carrier neutral. ark intends to run IdahoIX until it grows large enough to be self-supporting. When IdahoIX grows large enough, ark will change it to a standalone cooperative owned and operated by its participants. If IdahoIX never grows, ark is committed to maintaining the exchange long-term if necessary.
With every participant and every connection, IdahoIX grows stronger, creating faster and more reliable network trafficking. When we work together toward a common goal, we all benefit. Join IdahoIX today.