General
What is an Internet Exchange?
An Internet Exchange is place where many different types of providers and organization can come together to interconnect their network topology. Providers are able to make a single connection to the Internet Exchange, allowing them to exchange traffic with a multitude of networks of many members making the peering process more efficient and cost effective for all parties.
What is an Autonomous System?
An Autonomous System (AS) is a group of IP networks operated by one or more operators that has a single and clearly defined external routing policy.
Exterior routing protocols are used to exchange routing information between Autonomous Systems.
What is an Autonomous System Number (ASN)?
A public Autonomous System (AS) has a globally unique number associated with it (AS Number or ASN). This number is used both in the exchange of exterior routing information (between neighboring Autonomous Systems) and as an identifier of the AS itself.
How to get an Autonomous System Number (ASN)?
To peer at an Internet Exchange, you need an ASN, which you can request at one of five regional Internet registries (RIRs):
- African Network Information Center (AFRINIC).
- American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN).
- Asia-Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC).
- Latin American and Caribbean Network Information Centre (LACNIC).
- Réseaux IP Europeans Network Coordination Centre (RIPE NCC).
The five RIRs are united by an unincorporated organization called the Number Resource Organization (NRO). The NRO’s mission is to contribute to an open, stable, and secure Internet by coordinating joint RIR activities and projects.
What is peering?
Peering is a process by which two Internet networks connect and exchange traffic. It allows them to directly hand off traffic between each other’s customers.
What is PeeringDB?
PeeringDB is a freely available, user-maintained, database of networks, and the go-to location for interconnection data. The database facilitates the global interconnection of networks at Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), data centers, and other interconnection facilities, and is the first stop in making interconnection decisions.
You may find more about PeeringDB at its website here.
SAIX & Membership
Who are members?
SAIX members are beneficiaries that take advantage of available SAIX services.
Is my organization (or company) eligible for membership?
SAIX membership is open for national and international networks with a registered Autonomous System Number (AS) and IP address space.
How to become a member?
Details about membership application process are described here.
How to peer?
In order to peer through SAIX, your organization (or company) need to be illegible for SAIX membership, and must fulfill the requirements mentioned in the Technical Requirements Document.
Members may install a device at SAIX data center or connect to SAIX data center via any licensed Data Service Provider (DSP) located at Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.