PIPE Networks

What is Peering?

Peering is the activity between two or more ISPs / CSPs where they interconnect with each for the purpose of exchanging traffic between their respective networks. Peering provides a high quality alternative to an internet connection as a means of exchanging traffic. Peering is typically done in a way that no exchange of money takes place between peering members for the traffic delivered to each others network.

Peering is therefore not Internet access, but rather access to the networks and customer networks of other companies you peer with.

Why Peer?

There are many reasons to peer. ISPs and Content Hosting organisations are being hit by four-pronged factors like:

• Internet usage has risen from a few hours per day to as many as 24 hours per day.
• Speeds have increased from an average of less than 64k bits/second to a minimum of 256k bits/sec
• Content has become harder to cache as streaming media and peer to peer applications have removed efficiencies gained by web caching and similar technologies.
• End users are expecting to pay less each year than the year before for their internet usage.

ISPs need to find On-Net services in order to ensure that they have a competitive product. Peering extends the concept of On-Net services to also include customers and content from other members on the peering network.

A link to PIPE’s Peering Network is priced based on the size of connection and not on the amount of traffic carried on that connection. So it costs the same regardless of how much traffic is received or sent over that link. If you are an ISP, linking into PIPE’s Peering network, which is the largest peering network of its kind in Australia, will save you money and increase the quality of service you deliver to your users.

Who else is Peering on PIPE’s network?

PIPE manages the largest peering network in Australia including some of the biggest ISPs and CSPs. For a complete list of providers peering on PIPE’s network refer to our peering guide.

What speed can we peer at?

PIPE Networks has redundant high capacity Ethernet switches to facilitate peering. These switches provide connectivity at 100, 1,000 or 10,000 Mb/sec.

Do you have a Multi-Lateral Peering Agreement?

Yes, PIPE Networks uses a Multi-Lateral Peering Agreement (MLPA). This agreement basically compels customers to advertise all of their routes that are local to the exchange and in return accept the routes of other customers.

What sort of link do I need to connect to the PIPE Network?

The peering fabric at PIPE Network can be accessed at 100/1,000/10,000Mb/sec Ethernet connection. Customers can telehouse their equipment with us or simply organise any form of connectivity back to their network. PIPE provides connectivity options like PipeFibre®, PIPE’s dark fibre service, or PipeEthernet®.

What sort of router do I need to peer with PIPE Networks?

To peer with PIPE Networks you will need a router that supports BGP version 4. A lot of vendors make these types of routers and there are many routing daemons that can be used with Linux or FreeBSD that support BGP4.

What is an AS number?

An Autonomous System number is defined as a collection of networks under a common administration sharing a common routing strategy. AS numbers are assigned by Internet registries such as APNIC. AS numbers are a 16 bit number that uniquely identifies your AS. It is an integral part of the BGP routing protocol and a must-have for peering.

Do I need an AS number to peer with the PIPE Network?

You will need a recognised AS Number to peer at PIPE. Private AS numbers are not valid. Refer to http://www.iana.org/assignments/as-numbers for information about AS numbers and where they are used or http://www.apnic.net to apply for an AS number. PIPE Networks may be able to help you get an AS number, so please fill out this enquiry form form if you would like assistance.

What carriers do you have access to at the PIPE Network?

PIPE Networks locations are situated in areas of high carrier density and PIPE promotes a carrier neutral philosophy. Peering services can not only be accessed from PIPE’s data centres but from a number of other data centres around Australia.

Where does PIPE Networks provide peering?

PIPE provides peering in these locations. Send requests for PIPE Network services or requests from other cities to by completing this enquiry form.