LONDON INTERNET EXCHANGE ( LINX )

to this other network , you will thus reduce loading times . This is where LINX comes in ; we locate and connect users in the data centre .” On top of increased speed , lowered costs , and a more reliable connection , peering enables networks to cope with sudden increases in demand , such as the London 2012 Olympics . Being able to scale in a timely , seamless fashion enabled LINX , its suppliers and its members to demonstrate that they were capable of providing world-class networking during times of super-high traffic .

Souter also notes that LINX was facing some scaling issues due to the unexpectedly high number of membership applications , but this was only a minor issue , he says , because the network ultimately improves with more connections . Furthermore , since the company is not bound by the imperative to secure big dividends for shareholders , it can approach encouraging new membership in a more direct way .

Souter explains : “ We want efficient traffic ; the lower the price we can charge , the better service we can provide through economies of scale . We want to be easy to reach and we want people to come and network in London - instead you have to go chasing after other interconnect points and your costs are going to

118 July 2016