LINX will expand its presence in Africa by launching new IXPs in Ghana and Kenya in early 2025. The LINX Accra IXP will connect various data centers, enhancing redundancy, while the LINX Mombasa IXP, in partnership with iColo, will replicate the successful model of the Nairobi IXP. This initiative aims to bolster interconnection in East Africa and support Ghana’s burgeoning ISP community, positioning both IXPs as critical players in regional Internet infrastructure.
The London Internet Exchange (LINX) has announced an expansion of its interconnection services in Africa, with plans to establish two new Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) in Ghana and Kenya by early 2025. The LINX Accra IXP, set to be introduced in phases, will enable interconnectivity by linking networks at multiple data centers. In Kenya, the LINX Mombasa IXP will be established in collaboration with iColo, enhancing the technical capabilities similar to LINX’s Nairobi facility. Both IXPs are strategically aligned with the countries’ existing international connectivity, leveraging key subsea cable systems. Nurani Nimpuno, LINX’s head of global engagement, emphasized the significant potential of these IXPs to strengthen local Internet service communities and bolster regional interconnection across East Africa. Concurrently, both IXPs will capitalize on the positioning of Ghana along the West African coast and Kenya along the East African coast, with each country serving as a landing point for important subsea cables. The establishment of the LINX Accra IXP is poised to facilitate local Internet service providers’ growth and enhance the infrastructure supporting West Africa’s Internet traffic demands. In addition, the Mombasa IXP will play a crucial role in complementing LINX’s existing services in Nairobi, fostering a more robust Internet ecosystem in the East African region.
The growth of Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) on the African continent is crucial in enhancing the efficiency and resilience of Internet connectivity. IXPs allow Internet service providers (ISPs) to interconnect locally, reducing latency and improving the quality of service offered to users. As demand for Internet access surges, particularly in emerging markets such as Ghana and Kenya, creating new IXPs becomes increasingly strategic. The establishment of LINX in these two countries is expected to leverage their geographic advantages, promote local Internet connectivity, and provide a foundation for further technological developments in the region.
In summary, LINX’s initiative to launch new IXPs in Ghana and Kenya marks a significant advancement in regional Internet connectivity. By providing robust interconnection opportunities, these IXPs will not only enhance the operational dynamics of local ISPs but will also position both countries as vital hubs for Internet traffic on the African continent. The strategic location of these IXPs along major subsea cable routes further underscores their importance in fostering sustainable Internet growth and development in Africa.
Original Source: developingtelecoms.com
