Keeping Local Traffic Local

-  What is THE UIXP?

The Uganda Internet Exchange Point - UiXP - is an initiative of stakeholders of Uganda's local Internet community who share a common goal for a robust, fast and stable local Internet Backbone.

It is a non-profit making establishment with a membership subscription arrangement.

Following several months of dialogue, The Exchange Point (iX) is now ready to take peers from client networks.

All known IP link operators have been invited and expressed a desire to join the UiXP.

The chosen model is one with an Ethernet Switch in the middle, with the requirement that all members peer with each another indiscriminately via sharing BGP maps.

The UiXP peering model does not prescribe any preference on the connectivity mode i.e. members are responsible for own trunks or links up to the iX premises.

- KEY TECHNICAL ISSUES

In order to fully benefit from UiXP peering infrastructure, a member needs the following:

Connection to the iX

A provision is being made for Frame Relay from UTL and possibly ISDN and high-speed fibre access from MTN.

An AS (Autonomous System) Number

 An offer has been made to have these processed, as a batch, for all our members.

BGP: Knowledge of operating the BGP Protocol

Tutorials have been compiled to kick-start the process of setting up BGP tables for the various members. They can be found at the UiXP website. Some training will be organised for technical staff of clients.

We already have a block allocated from RIPE (www.ripe.net), the European Registry for IP numbers.

- HOW TO JOIN

Membership to UiXP is open to all operators of IP links such as ISP’s as well as corporate bodies with high Internet traffic who would benefit from the increased speeds that peering with the UiXP would bring.

All members are required to set up their connections to the UiXP premises using the options available.

A subscription fee to cater for the running costs of the UiXP will also be required.

The idea of a local Internet exchange point is not a new one and has been widely adopted elsewhere in the world to improve on local traffic among otheR benefits.

Some of the benefits to be realized are:

·        Significant increase in internet local traffic

·        A more reliable Internet connection.

·        Easy access to other networks thus improved communication.

·        Corporate bodies can benefit from accessibility of their company infomation resources to all clients of all ISP’s in Uganda
 

- CONTACT INFORMATION

The Uganda Internet Exchange Point Ltd
P.O Box 12510 Kampala
Plot 1 Colville Street
4th Floor, Communications House
Phone: +256(77) 365544,
Fax: +256(41) 340456
E-mail: ix@uixp.co.ug,
Website: www.uixp.co.ug