IXP Tracker

An Internet exchange point (IXPs) is a physical place, sometimes inside a data center, where different networks send traffic to one another. This is known as peering, and is how one network operator can send data from their network to another, without having to pay. Peering is part of what makes Internet services faster, more reliable, and cheaper. IXPs are vital nodes in the peering ecosystem, and an important part of the global Internet.

Active Internet Exchange Points

The total number of IXPs in operation around the world, as of July 2024.

1,086
Active IXPs globally

This data is updated monthly, using data from PeeringDB.

1,294,509 Gbps
Total global capacity of IXPs

IXP capacity growth over time

The global total of IXPs over time, shown along with the growth in combined capacity offered by the world's IXPs.

Top 10 countries/territories by IXP coverage

Internet users in these countries have the highest proportion of access to their local Internet via IXPs.

Internet exchange points and the power of peering

Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) are physical locations where different networks can send traffic to one another, serving as a kind of "traffic circle" for the data that flows through them. So, rather than a network having to go all the way back to its own hub, which might be located halfway across the world, it can use another network to move the data. The networks mutually agree not to charge any money for this, since everyone using the IXP benefits.

This practice, known as peering, reduces latency, lowers costs, and makes connections more reliable. Peering means there is a larger number of routes for data traffic to travel on, which makes the whole network more resistant to problems in international connectivity. All of this can improve access and support economic growth.

IXPs are a vital part of a strong peering ecosystem, and help to make the Internet more resilient.

Read more on the Pulse blog