PAIX.net and Seattle Internet Exchange Connect Layer 2 Switch Fabrics; PAIX and Seattle Internet Exchange Customers Welcome Expanded Neutral Exchange Point
February 14, 2002 07:33:00 AM ET
PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 14, 2002--PAIX.net, Inc. (PAIX), a leading carrier-neutral Internet exchange and subsidiary of Metromedia Fiber Network, Inc. (MFN) MFNX today announced the successful implementation of an agreement to interconnect PAIX's Layer 2 switch fabric in Seattle with that of the Seattle Internet Exchange (SIX).
The program has greatly expanded the interconnectivity options available to the customers and participants in each facility, creating one of the most robust neutral exchange points in the Pacific Northwest.
Integrating the IP traffic between the SIX and PAIX, both located at 2001 6th Ave., is a significant step for both parties. The expanded connectivity has created a comprehensive peering infrastructure and exchange point accessible from either location. For PAIX, this means its participants can immediately reach a large number of new peering partners. As a result, ISPs and other companies that need to exchange traffic from a secure, commercial-grade co-location facility can do so while maintaining their mission critical equipment in Class A facilities. For SIX participants, the agreement provides a cost-effective solution for expanding connectivity through additional touch points without additional capital expenditures.
"Our relationship with the SIX is important because of the number and types of customers in the respective facilities," said Paul Vixie, president of PAIX.net, Inc. "Connecting our Seattle switch fabric to that of the SIX has created a kind of 'super-switch,' giving customers in our facility greater access to diverse networks, multiple peering partners, and other Internet providers."
Interest in the connection has been high from participants in both locations as requests for participation were received within hours of contacting customers. Participants in each location pay a fee to PAIX for access to the common infrastructure. This access gives them the opportunity to exchange traffic with the over 75 Internet-centric companies co-located in the PAIX and SIX facilities.
"Having PAIX expand its connectivity to include SIX participants makes our connection to the PAIX infrastructure much more valuable for us," said Jed Brintzenhoff, Internet Access Product Manager at Electric Lightwave, Inc., the first PAIX participant to sign on. "Most importantly, it will allow Electric Lightwave to connect in a cost-effective manner to new, previously inaccessible Internet providers and IP businesses."
Traditionally, not-for-profit exchanges like the SIX attract smaller regional ISPs because of minimal co-location costs. PAIX is continuing to develop relationships with other non-profit exchanges in an effort to provide connectivity to PAIX participants so that these regional customers can conduct business with the wider array of regional and national Internet companies.
"Entering into this type of an interconnection arrangement with PAIX is a big win for both parties," said Jared Reimer, Vice President of Operations for The River Internet Access Co. and a SIX Board member. "It's a win for our participants because of new peering opportunities that will enable them to grow their IP networks quickly." Mr. Reimer believes "the enhanced peering infrastructure will benefit both the Seattle PAIX and the SIX by increasing the number of peers available to participants at either exchange point. This will also make our respective facilities - and Seattle in general -- more attractive to new peering participants in the future."
PAIX serves as a primary Internet peering hub and enables the exponential growth of the Internet through its geographically dispersed facilities. PAIX's fully neutral business model provides all types of Internet-centric businesses, including ISPs, Broadband Access Providers, content providers and carriers with an open marketplace in which they can conduct business without interference. Over 150 national service providers depend on PAIX to provide regional and national carrier-independent data switching, promoting faster network performance.
About the Seattle Internet Exchange
The Seattle Internet Exchange (SIX) was originally established as a private interconnection between two ISPs, in Seattle's Westin building, whose traffic was traveling from Seattle to Texas and back just to cross from one side of the floor to the other. As other ISPs became interested in interconnecting, Ethernet hubs were installed in two locations in the building, and the SIX was formed. Networks began to participate in the SIX due to the low/no cost involved, and it began to grow. The SIX is now one of the largest free exchange points on the planet. Information about the SIX can be found at altopia.net or by e-mailing six-info@alt.net
About PAIX.net
PAIX.net, Inc., headquartered in Palo Alto, Calif., began operations in 1996 as Digital Equipment Corporation's Palo Alto Internet Exchange. Having proven itself as a vital part of the Internet infrastructure, PAIX serves as a packet switching center for ISPs and other Internet-centric customers. PAIX also offers secure, fault-tolerant co-location services to ISPs. PAIX enables its participants to form public and private peering relationships with each other and choose from multiple telecommunications carriers for circuits, all within the same facility. PAIX is a subsidiary of MFN. To ensure its neutrality, it operates as a separate entity with its own management. For additional information about PAIX call 877-PAIXnet (877-724-9638) or visit its Web site at www.paix.net.
About MFN
MFN is the leading provider of digital communications infrastructure solutions. The Company combines the most extensive metropolitan area fiber network with a global optical IP network, state-of-the-art data centers and award winning managed services to deliver fully integrated, outsourced communications solutions to Global 2000 companies. The all-fiber infrastructure enables MFN customers to share vast amounts of information internally and externally over private networks and a global IP backbone, creating collaborative businesses that communicate at the speed of light.
Customers can take advantage of MFN's complete, end-to-end solution or select individual components to complement their existing infrastructures. By leasing MFN's metropolitan and regional fiber, customers can create their own, private optical network with virtually unlimited, un-metered bandwidth at a fixed fee. For more reliable, secure and high-performance Internet connectivity, customers can use MFN's private IP network to communicate globally without ever touching the public-switched network. Moreover, MFN's comprehensive managed services enable companies to create a world-class Internet presence, optimize complex sites and private optical networks, and transform legacy applications, all with a single point of contact.
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