AMSIX

AMS-IX, short for Amsterdam Internet Exchange, is a major Internet exchange point based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It provides a neutral platform that allows member networks to exchange Internet traffic directly, reducing reliance on transit providers and improving performance.

The exchange was established in 1997 by a group of Dutch Internet service providers to facilitate peering and lower costs. It grew rapidly in response to the expanding Internet in the Netherlands and beyond, becoming one of the largest and most connected IXs in the world.

AMS-IX operates from multiple data centers in Amsterdam, with redundant paths to ensure high availability, using a shared Ethernet switching fabric. It supports BGP-based peering, often with route servers to simplify configuration for participants. The service accommodates both IPv4 and IPv6 traffic and offers a range of port speeds, including 1 Gbps, 10 Gbps, and 100 Gbps, to suit different network sizes.

Member networks include Internet service providers, content delivery networks, cloud providers, and enterprises, all interconnecting to optimize routing and reduce latency. Because traffic is exchanged locally at AMS-IX, members typically experience lower transit costs and improved reliability compared with relying solely on upstream carriers.

AMS-IX operates with a focus on neutral governance and technical excellence, maintaining robust security, performance monitoring, and open peering policies that enable widespread interconnection across the Dutch Internet community and beyond.