Services
An Internet exchange point enables multiple operators to interconnect with other operators through a single physical port on the peering switch. This high-tech infrastructure forms the QIX.
Bilateral peering
Public bilateral peering takes place across a Layer 2 access technology, usually described as a shared fabric. An Internet Exchange Point allows multiple carriers to interconnect with other carriers across a single physical port. Networks who peer publicly are connected to one public peering VLAN. It is an efficient and cost-effective method of reaching multiple peers as no traffic charges apply, only fixed port fees. Smaller networks, or those who are new to peering, find public peering at exchange points an attractive way to meet and interconnect with other networks with open peering policies. Larger networks may also utilise public peering to aggregate a number of smaller peers, or for conducting temporary low-cost trial peering without the expense of provisioning a private interconnection.
Public peering makes the Internet more robust and reliable and has been the primary method of exchanging traffic in Europe for many years.
Multilateral peering
Instead of negotiating with each member present, the QIX offers a multilateral peering (MLP) service free of charge via our route servers.
With a single agreement / BGP session, a network can arrange instant peering with a large group of peers.
MLP is recommended for new members who want traffic flowing from day one.
1. Be eligible for QIX membership conditions
We strongly recommend that you consult MANRS (Mutually Agreed Norms for Routing Security) for more information.
- Represent a legal entity.
- Implement best practices on your network.
- Use IRR services such as ARIN, AltDB, RADb.
- Own an Autonomous System Number (ASN).
- Contract a colocation agreement with the provider of your choice.
- Publish an AS-SET and route-objects to cover your IP address blocks.
- Have the intention and willingness to participate in the Montreal Internet Exchange.
2. Choosing your accommodation center
It is possible to connect to the Montreal Internet Exchange remotely, either by a carrier or by inter-DC transport services like Cologix MetroConnect. Please note that these services are not offered by the exchange. Please contact the provider of your choice for more details.
- Site 1: Cologix MTL1 – 625 boul. René-Lévesque W., Montreal, QC H3B 1R2
- Site 2: Cologix MTL3 – 1250 boul. René-Lévesque W., Montreal, QC H3B 4W8
- Site 3: Cologix MTL7 – 1155 Robert-Bourassa, 3 & 4th floor, Montreal, QC, H3B 3A7
- Site 4: eStruxture MTL-1 – 800 Square-Victoria, Montreal, QC H4Z 1A1
- Site 5: Vantage QC4 – 2800 Trans-Canada Hwy, Pointe-Claire, QC H9R 4A9
- Site 6: Equinix MT1 – 6205 Vanden Abeele St., St-Laurent, QC H4S 1S1
3. Submit your online membership application
Submit a form application via the Become a member form.
- You will be asked for your company name, URL, ASN, connection site, your port speed and administrative details about your company.
- Following that, our administrative team will send you the membership and order forms.
4. Learn about the connection process
If you have any questions about the connection process, please contact us at support@qix.ca
- Our member management team will:
- Forward your application for validation with our management team.
- Send each valid and compliant application form to the board for approval.
- Send you via email, the QIX bylaws for review and signature, ask for your billing and technical information.
- Assign you a physical port in our fiber patch panel, provide you with an LOA with these positions and assign an IPv4 and IPv6 address. We will forward these important information by email.
- Invite you to set up your first two BGP sessions with the two route-servers to start enjoying peering traffic on day one.
Pricing
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Check out our pricing to choose the package that suits you best and start your journey to independence!
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