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Re: IXP hardware
On Thu, 07 Mar 2002 11:24:56 -0800 Randy Bush wrote:
> > how can I connect those ISP's over a leased line to the switch at the IXP?
> usually the isps each has their own router next to the l2 switch, and
> each is responsible to bring connectivity to that router.
In addition to Randy's excellent answer, I should add that you don't
need to go wild-hog with the central switch equipment. The predecessor
to AMS-IX (the Amsterdam exchange) used a piece of 10-BASE5
('thick ethernet', you know, the gardenhose cable with the need
to drill holes to place a vampire tap on the cable), that ran
between three physically-connected buildings that happened to
house the exchange users at that time.
At that time, the aggregate bandwith brought to the IX was much less
than 10 mbit and hence 10mbit/sec was quite sufficient.
They upgraded to something fancier when people started bringing in
multiple T1's, but that was much later in the game.
In your case, in the beginning, a simple 10mbit hub might be sufficient.
Heck, Randy has given those away at previous AFNOG meetings...
Later, as traffic increases, you can go for 100BASE-TX (100 mbit),
switched, and what-have you. At that time, you hopefully also will
have the resources to pay for that kind of equipment.
Each ISP would bring his own router, preferrably something that
can carry a full routing table but you might be able to get started
with 2500-style boxes if there are only a few routes to swap.
Every ISP also administers his own box. The IXP assigns IP addresses,
and probably should maintain a list of who-is-who (name of party,
IP address, ASN and peering contact info), but that's enough to
get started. A pile of 2600's with a hub will be a fine starting point.
Experience has learned that a shared, level3 device in the middle
is a mistake. Keep it simple, keep the IXP a layer2 thing.
Do label everything right from the start. Cables, boxes, everything.
Keep in mind that you'll be working closely together with others
and you don't want to mess with the wrong cable.
[People will argument that a hub allows sniffing. Sniffing on a router
is difficult and besides, I assume the IXP will be occupied by adults]
Go for it!
Geert Jan
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