Welcome to the DE-CIX media hub

The Internet consists of around 65,000 independent sub-networks. In order for data to flow from one of these networks to another and be exchanged, these networks must be connected either directly or via other networks. This data exchange takes place on the basis of individual agreements between network operators or at an Internet Exchange (IX), to which a large number of networks are connected. An IX is a physical infrastructure that enables network operators (carriers), Internet service providers (ISPs), content providers, organizations, and enterprises to exchange data with each other - usually on a cost-neutral basis (also known as "peering"). This means that data does not have to take lengthy detours, but can flow directly from one network to another. Direct access to the infrastructure and networks also reduces latency, as it reduces the distance the data has to travel. Finally, an IX increases the resilience of the Internet by providing many redundant routes for data traffic. This means that overloaded routes can be avoided.

DE-CIX is the world’s leading operator of Internet Exchanges (IXs). DE-CIX offers its interconnection services in more than 50 metro-markets in Europe, Africa, North America, the Middle East, and Asia. Accessible from data centers in over 600 cities world-wide, DE-CIX interconnects thousands of network operators (carriers), Internet service providers (ISPs), content providers and enterprise networks from more than 100 countries, and offers peering, cloud, and other interconnection services. DE-CIX in Frankfurt, Germany, is one of the largest Internet Exchanges in the world, with a data volume of almost 40 Exabytes per year (as of 2023) and close to 1100 connected networks. Close to 250 colleagues from over 35 different nations form the foundation of the DE-CIX success story in Germany and around the world. Since the beginning of the commercial Internet, DE-CIX has had a decisive influence – in a range of leading global bodies, such as the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) – on co-defining guiding principles for the Internet of the present and the future. As the operator of critical IT infrastructure, DE-CIX bears a great responsibility for the seamless, fast, and secure data exchange between people, enterprises, and organizations at its locations around the globe.

DE-CIX does not operate its own data centers. Data center operators are our partners, with whom we work very closely. As an analogy, a data center is like a hotel for our servers. DE-CIX is neutral in terms of both data centers and carriers, which means that DE-CIX rents space in the data centers of various operators. Internet service providers (ISPs), content delivery networks (CDNs), service providers or companies, for example, can exchange data directly with each other there.

In 2023, almost 59 exabytes of data were exchanged via the global DE-CIX Internet Exchanges. This corresponds to 9.8 billion two-hour video streams. At peak times, around 16.6 terabits of data per second are exchanged simultaneously at the largest DE-CIX IX, in Frankfurt, Germany. 15 terabits per second corresponds to over 5 million videos in HD quality being streamed simultaneously.