FAQs
Q: What is an Internet Exchange Point?
A: An Internet Exchange Point or "IXP" is a physical platform that allows different Internet connected networks to exchange Internet traffic between their autonomous systems by means of bi-lateral peering arrangements. IXP's reduce the reliance on traditional paid transit providers providing a settlement free method to exchange IP traffic directly over a managed platform. Furthermore, the increased number of paths learned through the IXP improves routing efficiency and fault-tolerance.
Q: What is The GPIEX Internet Exchange?
A: The GPIEX IX is an Internet Exchange point or "public peering point" that allows networks to exchange traffic through a common switch fabric. Peering is done on a settlement-free basis. By connecting to the GPIEX IX facilities members can peer with any other members connected to same the fabric.
Q: Where are the GPIEX Internet Exchanges located?
A: The GPIEX Internet Exchange points are located in the New York/New Jersey Metro.
Q: What connection types and speeds are available?
A: Connections are via fiber cross connects. Available speeds are 1Gbps, Nx1Gbps (via single mode fiber), 10Gbps and Nx10Gbps (via single more fiber). 100Gbps port.
Q: What are the membership requirements with the GPIEX Internet Exchange?
A: Each network must provide for the following:
- Physical presence in a GPIEX facility
- A border router to connect to the port on a GPIEX IX switch
- An engineer or administrator who can configure the border router
- An exchange point IP address for the border router (GPIEX provided)
- An Autonomous System Number (ASN) to identify the network
Q: What is the Route Viewer
A: GPIEX maintains a route viewer at every IX location. Once you are connected you must peer with our route viewer. The route viewer monitors your BGP session state. The route viewer does not advertise routes. GPIEX suggests filtering all incoming advertisements from the route viewer. We ask that you send your "standard" peering routes to the route viewer. Data collected by the RV is used for monitoring and support purposes. The RVs use the ASN ***** and are always the ".1" IP on the IX (both for IPv4 and IPv6).
Q: Does the GPIEX IX have Route Servers?
A: Yes - GPIEX offers its participants the opportunity to peer via the Route Servers. We operate two route servers on every Exchange. The route servers are based on the BIRD routing daemon. Both offer the peers the ability to filter based on their IRRdb entries. Every participant has the ability to filter out any number of peers.
Q: Do you have any customer usage graphs?
A: Customer usage graphs are available via the IX Participant Portal
Q: Is there an AUP (Acceptable Use Policy)?
A: Please see the posted AUP and our Terms of Use.
Q: How do I contact GPIEX IX Network Operations?
A: Email to the GPIEX Command Center support@gpiex.net.
Q: Who can I peer with?
A: Potentially, you can peer with any network that participates on the same IX platform. You must contact each prospective network to verify that you meet its peering policies. You may peer with the GPIEX Route Servers to automatically peer with many participants. The GPIEX IX Portal may be used to identify and contact potential peers.
Q: Where do I get an IP addresses?
A: GPIEX manages our own IPv4 and IPv6 address allocations.
Q: What can I do with Interface Management?
A: Interface Management - Allows you to view usage details, control your static MAC address, shutdown, bring up or bounce any of your interfaces.
Q: Is there a way for me to keep track of my peering relationships?
A: Yes, with Peering Manager you can track peering sessions and send e-mails to other peering coordinators to help speed-up communications with other participants.
Q: Can I manage email addresses via the Portal?
A: You can use the Manage Contact Preferences feature which allows you to manage which e-mail address you want other Participants to use to contact you.
Q: Do you provide a Looking Glass?
A: The portal Looking Glass tool allows you to view BGP announcements to our Route Viewers, and run traceroute and ping commands from the Route Viewers.
Q: Can I email other participant from the portal?
A: The Bulk Mail Manager, built right into the portal, allows you to send bulk emails to participants to announce a new presence, maintenance work or other important communications. You can also setup your account to receive e-mail notifications when any of your ports or BGP sessions change state (up/down).