What does the GigaPix?
This is a Internet Exchange Point (IXP) – a physical structure where multiple ISPs (internet service providers) and CDNs (content servers) exchange internet traffic. Without this type of structure, traffic would have to traverse many more domains, resulting in more delays and, in other words, impacting users. It would also require the need to guarantee very expensive connections outside of Portugal. On the other hand, this structure also provides greater redundancy, as there is a new traffic exchange point. These structures allow for greater control over the network infrastructure. The more traffic exchange points, the more nodes there are, the easier it is to optimize, that is, to find the most profitable path.
How relevant is this service to the user?
Of the total traffic on the Science, Technology and Society Network (RCTS), more than 30% is done through GigaPix. And this number has increased over the past few years, taking into account the growth in the number of participating members. Currently, there are 36 entities that are members of GigaPix, both ISPs and CDNs. This allows for significant cost reduction. It benefits users, content providers, and Internet providers, and is neutral, as it is not owned by any commercial entity and is non-profit.
How is this impact measured in terms of numbers?
Currently, GigaPix switches 100Gb of traffic. Without it, everything would have to go through Tier 1 [first-tier servers], which would entail increased costs for both providers and users. On the other hand, without GigaPix, internet users in Portugal would have a round trip time 35 milliseconds or more [the total time it takes for a signal to travel between the origin and destination]. With GigaPix, this total value is less than 10 milliseconds. This significantly improves the user experience, both when browsing the Internet and when using streaming or online video games.
What next steps should we take?
The main objective is to increase the number of members and the volume of traffic exchanged, as well as maintain service availability levels and make the platform increasingly stable. Currently, GigaPix is present in four technical rooms (three in Lisbon and one in Porto), and another goal is to increase the number of members in Porto. Over the next year, new services will also be available that will allow members greater control over their traffic. The more developed GigaPix is, the more Internet users will benefit: GigaPix improves Internet quality in Portugal as a whole.
