Kenya Internet Exchange Point

Kenya hosts a physical infrastructure that interconnects local networks directly and enables these networks to exchange traffic via a local exchange point, rather than doing this through expensive and distance offshore networks. The internet exchange point has enabled the local service providers (ISPs) to exchange traffic between their networks on a communal agreement ground.

The elimination of third party networks comes with a lot more merits to the local internet connection because it means cost will be cut down due to reduced bandwidth to the remote exchange servers. This is as a result of direct interconnections which cut down parts of the traffic which must be delivered through the upstream transit providers and hence reduce the average per – bit delivery cost of their service.

 Another advantage that is experienced is the constant high connection speed especially in areas which have poor long distance connections, eliminating the need to route local traffic over expensive international links only to return to the country which they originate from. To add on, the availability of local routing network connection through the internet exchange point improves the efficiency in routing and eases troubleshooting and makes the connections fault tolerant.  

With the upcoming technology of cloud computing, most Kenyan ISPs will benefit from the pool of resources and infrastructure pulled together to handle the internet exchange points without fully investing on initial capital needed to set up the infrastructure. Though at the moment any costs incurred by the IXP is shared among all its participants.