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Hiboo Networks, the National Capital Region’s business-dedicated fibre network provider, has joined two of Canada’s most critical interconnection hubs, the Toronto Internet Exchange (TorIX) and the Montreal Internet Exchange (CANIX-Montreal), as well as the regional Ottawa Gatineau Internet Exchange (CANIX-Ottawa).
This represents a key milestone in becoming a top-tier enterprise connectivity and Internet Service Provider. We can fundamentally expand our service offerings and deliver lower latency, enhanced network performance, and direct connectivity to major cloud platforms.
What is an internet exchange?
An internet exchange (IX) is a point where Internet & Network Service Providers (ISP/NSP), Content Distribution Networks (CDN), Cloud Service Providers, and other network operators connect and exchange traffic.
The internet is often referred to as ‘the network of networks’. Think of an IX as a central meeting point where networks connect. These networks include ISPs such as hiboo networks, CDNs such as Netflix and YouTube, cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud Platform, plus educational and large enterprises. An IX allows traffic to pass directly between the source and destination, taking the shortest, fastest path possible.
TorIX and CANIX are critical infrastructure in Canada’s internet ecosystem. Hiboo networks’ membership means that we can now directly peer with other member networks to improve our service offerings.
The advantages of direct peering
Peering is when networks exchange traffic directly, instead of routing through costly third-party transit providers. These third parties typically prioritize their own cost savings over performance needs.
By peering directly at TorIX and CANIX, we can optimize how traffic flows across our network. This will deliver tangible advantages for our customers.
- Lower latency: For mission-critical business applications, video conferencing, or cloud-based tools, every second of delay can mean lost productivity and sales. With a direct connection, our network traffic takes the shortest, most efficient path possible leading to better application performance for our customers.
- Improved network resiliency: By connecting to peers at multiple exchanges, combined with redundant ring architecture, we can ensure our customers stay online. If network issues occur, traffic is rerouted through alternative paths so there are no interruptions to your business operations.
- Greater control and visibility: Because hiboo networks can directly manage how your traffic flows, you’ll get faster, more reliable connectivity compared to ISPs that rely solely on transit providers.