FROM THE INDUSTRY
Regions that understand the value of this demonstrate the preference for neutral interconnection models, where IXs are operated independently of any specific data centre or carrier operator. This allows an IX to operate across multiple data centres and carriers within a region, rather than being bound to a single provider, unlocking more data pathways and a broader range of access points. According to our own research, 80% of IXs in the US are now neutral, replicating a trend that is already firmly established in Europe. As the demands of real-time applications continue to grow, peering and IX densification are proving to be cornerstones of efficient, high-performance network infrastructure.
Connectivity is the key to digital success
VirtualiSation and Automation in Network Operations
This is all well and good, but it does make networks more complex and difficult to manage. That’s where virtualisation steps in. Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) allow network operators to replace traditional hardware components with software-based solutions, enabling faster, more flexible deployment and scaling. This shift to virtualised networks helps enterprises adapt quickly to shifting needs, allocating resources where and when they’re needed without the lead times associated with physical hardware. By abstracting network functions into software, organisations gain the agility to manage and optimise their networks in real time, so they can pivot to meet the demands of bandwidth-intensive and latency-sensitive applications like AI and Software as a Service (SaaS). Automation takes virtualisation a step further by enabling networks to respond autonomously to traffic conditions and usage patterns. API-based automated interconnection and peering configurations help reduce manual processes, enabling flexible scalability for example to clouds and eliminating bottlenecks that often occur in traditional network setups. With automated routing and self-healing capabilities, networks can prioritise critical data, allocate bandwidth efficiently and ensure consistent performance throughout. Automation also supports faster fault detection and recovery, helping to maintain uptime and reliability. This combination of virtualisation and automation enables a more resilient network, capable of delivering reliable, high-quality performance in line with today’s data-driven business requirements. The Future of Connectivity With data centres under pressure and vacancy rates at an all- time low, investing in data centre infrastructure is critical. But computing capacity is only one piece of the connectivity puzzle. To keep pace with the data demands of an AI-driven, cloud- based future, network infrastructure as a whole must shift from being reactive to proactive, prepared to support seamless, high- speed connectivity for the most demanding applications. Peering, IX densification, network virtualisation and interconnectivity automation each represent building blocks for this next generation of connectivity, enabling network operators to overcome the challenges of unprecedented quantities of data needing to be transported in low latency across disparate IT resources. Together, they create networks that are not only capable of handling massive data flows, but that can adapt dynamically to connectivity challenges that we’re yet to face.
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Volume 46 No.4 DECEMBER 2024
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