IXP & Neutral Colocation Symbiosis SAFNOG 2015

Data Centre definition In its simplest form, a data centre is a facility that houses IT equipment – Servers, and networking kit. With the explosion of online systems, and the need to be “always-on”, purpose built data centres have become critical, specialised building blocks of the ecosystem. The heart-beat of the online system. Designing and building modern data centres is now a highly specialised and complex task, with many important considerations. * Info-Tech Research Group

Types of Data Centres For the purpose of this presentation, we have identified the following data centre types, with an explanation of each; Server/Computer Room: Usually small scale “rooms” within an existing building, mostly used for an organisation's internal IT requirements such as file storage, servers, shared application hosting. Private Data Centre: Typical for enterprises that have larger hosting requirements, have grown out of their computer room, or need centralisation and protection of business critical systems/applications. Managed Services/Vendor Owned: Typically owned and operated by large ISPs/carriers, and offer multiple customers the option of renting or leasing services leading to shared costs. Vendor/Carrier Neutral Colocation: Owned and operated by specialists with an absolute focus on datacentre infrastructure – Space, power, cooling, security, interconnection.

ABC of Colocation Optimising performance, cost and user experience for all services  Power – A well designed data centre will have sufficient capacity for expansion  Reliability – Five nine make the difference  Security – High levels of physical security and access control  Connectivity – Carrier aggregation allows faster, low latency connectivity and greater competitiveness  Credibility – Hosting infrastructure in a professional, purpose-built facility lends credibility  Market-place – Having everyone in one place fosters growth, and creates the ideal location for exchange of data  Promotion of IXP Services to drive content into Africa;

IXP Requirements from Colocation For Colocation Facilities and IXP’s to be successful and sustainable they both need to be stable, reliable, and must be accessible by any network that fulfils the technical participation requirements. This means: o Stability - Always-on, reliable, open hosting facility o Multiple members in an unrestricted marketplace o Standard, open and unrestricted interconnection policies o Reliable, high quality structured cabling systems and procedures o Scalable infrastructure for growth.

Benefits of an IXP Creates true colocation value: o Existing colocation clients can realise true network savings through reduced requirements e.g. less physical connections; o Reduction in transit between clients; o Improved network quality e.g. reduced latency; o Increased revenue opportunities through neutral interconnection. o Symbiotic relationship: As the IXP grows, the facility becomes more attractive.

IXP & Colocation Symbiosis: Teraco and NAPAfrica Case Study CT1 500m 2 JB1 1,750m 2 DB1 2,450m 2 EXP. 3,570m 2 EXP. 6,200m 2 DC/FACILITIES TERACO CLIENTS NAPAfrica PEERS

INTERCONNECTS 23Gbps 1.5Gbps 7Gbps IXP and Interconnection Growth: Teraco & NAPAfrica Case Study

“Hosting companies, portals, CDNs, content providers, etc. tend to prefer a richly networked ISP colocation center with an open marketplace of ISP services. This provides the required flexibility, robustness and ever decreasing transit prices that are reasons that large scale content providers build into colocation centers in the first place.” “Keep and guarantee Neutrality and independence.” From the lips of the Experts – how to keep an IXP alive

Amsterdam 2014 Case Study Data Centre success has a direct impact on the growth of an IXP Amsterdam Data Centre market has shown the highest growth compared to other European markets AMS-IX recorded a massive growth of 30% and the number of connected customers grew by 109 to over 700.

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