In order to reduce latency rate for local traffic within the country, Pakistan has built its first ever Internet Exchange Point (IXP) for all domestic ISPs. IXP is a link to connect Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Contact Delivery Networks (CDNs) to exchange network traffic.
Primarily, IXP allows networks to directly connect with each other without the help of any third-party networks. In the past, foreign internet networks were routed to run internet traffic in Pakistan. Proxies were used even for the traffic within Pakistan. Local connections will be allowed which will lower the pings and feedback time for local connections.
IXP was built under the supervision of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority with the cooperation of Internet Society (ISOC). IXP is located in the grounds of Higher Education Commission (HEC).
In an interview with ProPakistani, Chairman of PTA Syed Ismail Shah stated that IXP is on a test run for the last two weeks. In addition, he also declared that the program will formally go live next month as its hardware is being processed. He further added that they are looking forward to establish more Internet Exchange Point in Lahore and Karachi very soon. Being a vital part of Telecommunication Policy 2015, IXP has now been established.
Telecommunication Policy 2015 stated:
“Internet and other traffic will be exchanged within Pakistan using local peering or exchange points as far as it is possible to do so, recognizing that the use of international peering points in other countries imposes an unnecessary cost burden and a potential security risk”
It further states:
“PTA will take appropriate measures in consultation with stakeholders to encourage establishment of local peering and exchange points of IP traffic on legally established gateways in Pakistan”
IXP is used to control internal flow of internet traffic between ISPs rather than searching for foreign networks.
How does the Internet Exchange Point work?
When using a local ISP, a ping is sent for a hosting server; for instance on Transworld and then IXP is used to route traffic located outside Pakistan. After that it will be sent to our local IXP once it is established.
Although the distance between the server and client is short, latency rate increases when such a local internet request has to cover a huge distance. It has to travel all the way to the hosting Internet Exchange Point to be routed back to the local server resulting in low data transfer rates.
The IXP is beneficial for all the local hosting websites like banks, service providers, and corporations within Pakistan. Subsequently, i will also help ISPs reduce their bandwidth cost and heighten their performance.
Dr. Ismail Shah said that PTA has always considered and supported new innovative ideas for the enhancement of telecom sector. This new innovation of IXP will help in the advancement of internet access, business atmosphere and local content.