Services
Public peering
Public peering is the exchange of internet traffic between networks, typically on a cost-neutral basis, through a shared switch at an Internet Exchange Point (IXP). It enables ISPs, content providers, cloud platforms, and enterprises to interconnect directly while avoiding third-party transit providers.
Because traffic is exchanged locally at the IXP, data packets take shorter and more efficient routes. This reduces latency, improves routing performance, and lowers costs. It’s especially beneficial for real-time services like video streaming, gaming, cloud applications, and VoIP.
DETAILS & ADVANTAGES OF PUBLIC PEERING
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Improved performance
Public peering reduces the number of network hops by enabling direct data exchange between networks. This shortens delivery time and increases reliability, which is essential for latency-sensitive services like streaming, online gaming, and cloud tools.
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Lower transit costs
At an IXP, networks can connect once and reach many peers without relying on upstream transit providers. This setup minimizes bandwidth costs, simplifies interconnection, and offers predictable pricing for growing infrastructure needs.
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Stronger Canadian connectivity
Peering within Canadian IXPs keeps data traffic local, supporting data sovereignty, privacy, and regional efficiency. Interconnecting in cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver ensures faster, more resilient access to national content and services.
DISCOVER OTHER SERVICES
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Who benefits from public peering?
Public peering is ideal for ISPs, content delivery networks (CDNs), cloud platforms, and large enterprises that exchange significant traffic. It’s especially beneficial for latency-sensitive services like streaming, gaming, VoIP, and SaaS.
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What are the main advantages of public peering?
Public peering improves network performance by reducing hops and latency. It also lowers transit costs, provides better routing control, and helps keep traffic local supporting data privacy and sovereignty in Canada.
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How is public peering different from private peering?
Public peering happens over a shared switch at an IXP, allowing you to peer with multiple networks through a single connection. Private peering is a direct, one-to-one link between two networks, typically used for high-volume bilateral traffic.
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Do I need to be in the same city as the IXP to peer?
Not necessarily. If you’re not located in the same facility, you can connect remotely via transport providers. Public peering is available across our IXP sites in multiple Canadian cities including Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and more.
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How can I see who is available to peer with?
You can consult PeeringDB, a public directory where networks publish their peering policies, presence at IXPs, and technical details. We can also assist you in identifying optimal peers for your traffic profile.