Peering and internet exchange in regional markets

Bridge IX is DartPoints’ peering platform for direct traffic exchange in regional markets. It gives service providers, content providers, and enterprises another way to connect with participating networks.

DartPoints helps networks, service providers, content providers, enterprises, and other organizations exchange traffic more directly in regional markets.

What peering does

The internet works because networks exchange traffic

With internet transit, you pay another network to carry your traffic. At an internet exchange, peering lets participating networks exchange traffic directly with one another.

Who peering is for

Peering is worth considering when exchanging traffic with other networks is a significant part of your operation. Common participants include:

Internet service providers (ISPs)

Cloud and hosting providers

Content delivery networks (CDNs)

Enterprises with significant traffic needs

Education and research networks

Network operators

Regional service providers

How Peering Works

A single connection to Bridge IX can provide direct access to participating networks in regional markets, reducing dependence on traditional transit paths.

More direct traffic exchange

Peering gives networks a way to exchange traffic directly instead of relying only on traditional transit paths.

Lower latency

A more direct route can reduce the distance traffic travels and improve application performance for certain traffic patterns.

Better routing control

Peering can give network teams more influence over how traffic moves between networks.

Improved stability

Direct interconnection can support more stable traffic exchange when designed and managed properly.

Regional network performance

Peering in regional markets can help traffic stay closer to where users, networks, and services operate.

How DartPoints supports peering

The first question is not how many networks are at an exchange. It’s whether the ones you need are there. DartPoints helps you evaluate Bridge IX against the traffic you exchange, the locations you need, and the way your network operates today.

What we work through with you

Location: Which regional exchange location fits your network?
Traffic: What traffic would you exchange through the connection?
Connections: What connection options are available at that location?
Participants: Which participating networks do you need to reach?
Routing: How would peering fit your existing network paths?
Resiliency: What needs to happen if the connection becomes unavailable?
Growth: How might your traffic and capacity needs change?

Related connectivity options

Peering is One Part of a Broader Connectivity Strategy

The right connectivity strategy often involves more than one service. If peering solves only part of the requirement, the options below can help support the rest of your infrastructure.

Network Services

Cloud Connectivity

Colocation

Backup and Disaster Recovery

Hosted Private Cloud

Explore more

Which networks do you need to reach?

Tell us where you operate, which networks you exchange traffic with, and what you want to improve. Those details give us a useful starting point for reviewing Bridge IX connection options with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is peering?

Peering lets two networks exchange traffic directly instead of sending that traffic through a traditional transit provider. For the right organizations, that can mean a shorter path, more routing control, and better network performance.

How is peering different from regular internet transit?

With internet transit, one network pays another provider to carry traffic to the rest of the internet. Peering creates a direct exchange between participating networks, which can reduce reliance on traditional transit for certain traffic.

When does peering make sense?

Peering is most useful when your organization exchanges enough traffic with other networks, cloud providers, content providers, or digital platforms to benefit from a more direct connection.

Can peering help reduce latency?

It can. A more direct traffic path may reduce the distance traffic travels, which can improve latency and application performance for certain traffic patterns.

Does peering replace my internet connection?

Not usually. Peering is typically one part of a broader network strategy. Many organizations use peering alongside internet transit, private connectivity, and other network services.

Who typically uses an internet exchange?

Common participants include internet service providers, content delivery networks, cloud and hosting providers, enterprises with significant traffic needs, education and research networks, and other network operators.

Where is DartPoints peering available?

Bridge IX, DartPoints’ peering platform, is available through internet exchange points in Dublin, Ohio and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where approved and available.

How do I know if Bridge IX is a fit for my network?

Start with your traffic patterns, routing needs, current transit usage, latency requirements, and the networks you want to reach. DartPoints can help you determine whether peering would add value or whether another connectivity option is a better fit.