What is an IXP VPS?
An IXP VPS is a virtual server with a direct Layer 2 connection to an internet exchange point (IXP). Instead of reaching an exchange through a router you own, you get the exchange as a network interface on the VPS itself. That lets you run your own BGP sessions and peer with the other networks on the exchange from a virtual machine, without renting rack space or a cross-connect.
What an internet exchange is
An internet exchange is a shared network where many networks (ISPs, content providers, hosting companies, universities and hobbyists) connect to exchange traffic directly. Each member gets an address on the exchange's peering LAN and sets up BGP sessions with the other members.
Why networks peer
A shorter path. Traffic between two members goes straight over the exchange instead of through one or more paid transit providers. That usually means fewer hops and lower latency.
Less dependence on transit. Traffic you exchange over peering does not have to be carried by an upstream.
More control. You decide what you announce and which paths you prefer.
Route servers and bilateral sessions
Most exchanges run route servers. With a session to a route server you receive the routes of many members through a single BGP session. You can also set up a bilateral session directly with one network, for example with a network that carries a lot of your traffic. Most members use both.
How an IXP VPS works
With LowPing NL, an IXP VPS is delivered in the following way:
Your VPS runs on our Amsterdam platform, and the exchange connection lands at Nikhef.
Each exchange you connect to is a separate network interface on your VPS, next to your normal public interface. It is not a tagged VLAN on your main interface.
Every exchange interface has its own MAC address and an MTU of 1500.
You get full root access. You configure your peering addresses and BGP sessions yourself, for example with BIRD, FRRouting or MikroTik CHR.
Exchange ports are limited to 1 Gbit by default, the same as the uplink of the VPS.
IXP VPS or regular VPS?
| IXP VPS | Regular Amsterdam VPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Own ASN needed | Yes | No |
| Routing | You run your own BGP sessions and announce your own prefixes | Our default routing from Amsterdam |
| Exchange connection | Layer 2 connection to an exchange at Nikhef, one included | Not included. Our network already connects to multiple transit providers and exchanges |
| Delivery | VPS within minutes, exchange connection by hand | Automatic deployment |
| Best for | BGP, peering, own address space, routing experiments | A fast, well-connected server without BGP |
Both include unmetered bandwidth on a 1 Gbit uplink, a public IPv4 address, native IPv6 and full root access. See the regular Amsterdam VPS if you do not need your own ASN.
Which exchanges are available
Every IXP VPS includes one exchange connection at no extra cost. You choose one from the first six in the table. Other exchanges at Nikhef are available on request, for a price that depends on the exchange.
| Exchange | Availability | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Frys-IX | One included | Reached through a shared port. No dedicated cross-connect needed. |
| Piter-IX Frankfurt | One included | Needs an application form with the exchange. |
| nine-ix | One included | The exchange has its own sign-up or portal. |
| InterIX | One included | The exchange has its own sign-up or portal. |
| 1-NL | One included | The exchange has its own sign-up or portal. |
| EVIX | One included | The exchange has its own sign-up or portal. |
| AMS-IX, NL-ix, Speed-IX | On request, price varies | Need a dedicated cross-connect at Nikhef and a Letter of Authorization (LOA) from the exchange or its reseller. |
| LSIX, LONAP, DE-CIX and other exchanges at Nikhef | On request, price varies | Ask support for a quote. |
You can connect to more than one exchange. Extra exchanges cost an additional monthly fee, and each one is delivered as its own interface on your VPS.
What you need before you order
A public ASN. Exchanges only accept members with a public autonomous system number. A private ASN cannot be used. Our guide how to get an ASN and start BGP peering explains how to get one.
Your own address space. You announce your own IPv4 and IPv6 prefixes. Without prefixes there is nothing to announce.
An AS-SET registered in PeeringDB, and route objects in the IRR. Exchanges and we use these to build filters.
Some BGP experience. We deliver the interface and the details. Configuring the sessions is up to you.
When an IXP VPS is the wrong choice
Without your own ASN and a BGP session, an IXP VPS does not change your routing. Outbound traffic then follows our default routing policy, and picking an exchange does not influence the path. In that case our regular Amsterdam VPS is the better choice, and cheaper.
An IXP VPS is also not a dedicated server or colocation. It is a virtual machine on our platform.
What happens after you order
You order an IXP VPS and tell us your ASN and AS-SET.
Some exchanges require you to register with them first. We tell you what to do for the exchange you chose.
We create the interface on your VPS and send you the MAC address, your addresses on the peering LAN and the route servers.
You configure your BGP sessions.
The VPS itself is deployed automatically within a few minutes. Exchange connections are delivered by hand and depend on the exchange, so they take longer.
Rules on an exchange
An exchange is a shared network, so the rules are strict. Sending traffic with a source address that is not yours is not allowed, and we apply source address filtering on all VPS networks. For prefixes you announce, we can disable the filter on your interface. Abuse of a peering LAN and hijacking prefixes are prohibited, and the policy of the exchange applies in addition to ours. The full rules are in our terms of service.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my own ASN?
Yes. An IXP VPS is meant for BGP and peering, and exchanges require a public ASN. Without one, a regular VPS is the better choice.
Will an IXP VPS give me lower latency without BGP?
No. Without your own ASN and a BGP session, outbound traffic follows our default routing policy and the exchange you pick does not influence the path.
How fast is the exchange port?
By default we limit exchange ports to 1 Gbit, because that is the uplink of the VPS. If you need a higher limit, ask support.
Can I connect to more than one exchange?
Yes. Extra exchanges cost an additional monthly fee, and each is delivered as a separate network interface.
Can I connect two of my VPS with a private network?
Yes. On request we can connect VPS instances in your account to a private VLAN. Open a ticket.
Can I test the network before I order?
Yes. Use our looking glass to run ping and MTR from inside AS215296, or send us a target and we run a traceroute or MTR from our network.
Is this a dedicated server or colocation?
No. We do not offer dedicated servers or colocation ourselves. An IXP VPS is a virtual machine on our platform.
Ready to start?
See the Amsterdam IXP VPS plans. If you are not sure whether an IXP VPS fits your setup, open a ticket in the client area or email [email protected].