Local internet users to benefit from new facility

A NEUTRAL Internet Exchange Point facility launched yesterday will allow local internet traffic to be contained within the country instead of being relayed overseas and back to local internet service providers.
National Information and Communication Technology Authority chief executive officer Charles Punaha (pictured) said after the launching it was “a physical location where internet service providers connect to exchange local traffic with each other via a network switch”.
“The primary function of an IXP is to keep local internet traffic within local infrastructure so as to reduce costs associated with traffic exchange points associated with traffic exchange between ISPs,” he said.
“Without an IXP, domestic internet traffic is forced onto long distance international links resulting in significantly higher costs and latency.”
The IXP facility allows for enhanced service for both ISP and their subscribers while also providing the platform for further developments in the ICT industry.
“Such infrastructure is therefore vital to the internet eco-system and provides many important benefits including improved accessibility, affordability and quality of service for end users and ISPs.
“In addition the IXP is expected to open new opportunities for local content development, hosting infrastructure and at the same time attract global content providers to PNG.”