Session
Organizer 1: Civil Society, African Group
Organizer 2: Technical Community, African Group
Organizer 3: Technical Community, African Group
Organizer 2: Technical Community, African Group
Organizer 3: Technical Community, African Group
Speaker 1: Sètondji Hervé HOUNZANDJI, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 2: Jacques Rodrigue Ragnimpinda GUIGUEMDE, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 3: (Malick) Koupam ALASSANE, Technical Community, African Group
Speaker 2: Jacques Rodrigue Ragnimpinda GUIGUEMDE, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 3: (Malick) Koupam ALASSANE, Technical Community, African Group
Format
Classroom
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: The classroom format is ideal for this session because it allows structured learning with focused attention on speakers and presentations. Participants can take notes comfortably while engaging with the session materials. The 60-minute duration ensures that the foundational concepts of IXPs are thoroughly covered, followed by an interactive Q&A segment to reinforce understanding.
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: The classroom format is ideal for this session because it allows structured learning with focused attention on speakers and presentations. Participants can take notes comfortably while engaging with the session materials. The 60-minute duration ensures that the foundational concepts of IXPs are thoroughly covered, followed by an interactive Q&A segment to reinforce understanding.
Policy Question(s)
How can the development and support of IXPs contribute to national and global infrastructure resilience?
What policies are needed to encourage the establishment of IXPs in underserved regions to enhance local internet performance and reliability?
What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of:
- The fundamental role of IXPs in the internet's infrastructure.
- How IXPs enhance network performance by reducing latency and transit costs.
- The contribution of IXPs to infrastructure resilience through improved redundancy and reliability.
- Practical insights into the establishment and operation of IXPs, including technical and policy considerations.
Description:
Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) are critical infrastructures where multiple Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), and other network operators interconnect to exchange internet traffic directly. This direct interconnection reduces the need for data to traverse multiple networks, thereby decreasing latency and improving the efficiency and resilience of the internet infrastructure. This workshop aims to demystify IXPs by providing a foundational understanding of their purpose, functionality, and significance in enhancing global internet connectivity. Participants will learn about the components of IXPs, including Ethernet switches and colocation facilities, and how these elements contribute to a robust and scalable internet infrastructure. The session will also explore the role of IXPs in promoting infrastructure resilience. By facilitating direct interconnections, IXPs enhance network redundancy and reliability, ensuring continuous data flow even during network disruptions. This resilience is vital for maintaining essential services and supporting the growth and sustainability of the global internet ecosystem.
Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) are critical infrastructures where multiple Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), and other network operators interconnect to exchange internet traffic directly. This direct interconnection reduces the need for data to traverse multiple networks, thereby decreasing latency and improving the efficiency and resilience of the internet infrastructure. This workshop aims to demystify IXPs by providing a foundational understanding of their purpose, functionality, and significance in enhancing global internet connectivity. Participants will learn about the components of IXPs, including Ethernet switches and colocation facilities, and how these elements contribute to a robust and scalable internet infrastructure. The session will also explore the role of IXPs in promoting infrastructure resilience. By facilitating direct interconnections, IXPs enhance network redundancy and reliability, ensuring continuous data flow even during network disruptions. This resilience is vital for maintaining essential services and supporting the growth and sustainability of the global internet ecosystem.
Expected Outcomes
The workshop aims to:
- Raise awareness among policymakers, network operators, and other stakeholders about the importance of IXPs in strengthening internet infrastructure.
- Foster discussions on best practices and strategies for establishing and maintaining IXPs, particularly in regions lacking robust internet infrastructure.
- Encourage collaborative efforts to develop policies that support the growth and sustainability of IXPs, thereby enhancing global infrastructure resilience.
Hybrid Format: To ensure seamless interaction between onsite and online participants, we will use a dedicated moderator to manage both in-person and virtual engagement. The session will feature live polling, Q&A, allowing remote participants to contribute in real-time.
For an inclusive experience, we will assure to provide high-quality audio/video streaming, ensuring remote attendees can clearly follow discussions. We will also use breakout rooms or small discussion groups to foster direct engagement.