The RIPE Network Coordination Centre (RIPE NCC) has unveiled a comprehensive report on Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) across Arab countries in the Middle East, marking a significant step forward in the region's digital infrastructure development. The publication aligns with the ongoing efforts of the South Asia, Middle East, and North Africa region's (SAMENA) Telecommunications Council to bolster Internet infrastructure and connectivity.
The report offers an in-depth analysis of the IXP landscape, underscoring the uniqueness of each IXP's role and environment within the region. It highlights the absence of a universal model for IXP development, pointing out that IXPs in the Middle East, even those within the same country, serve different purposes and operate under varying conditions.
Key findings of the report include the identification of four primary benchmarks for evaluating IXP success: maintaining local traffic within the region, enhancing local interconnectivity to bolster the digital economy, attracting global cloud and content providers, and establishing the region as a hub for exchanging regional traffic. These criteria aim to guide IXP operators and policymakers in assessing and optimizing the effectiveness and impact of their IXPs.
The significance of the report extends beyond its analytical insights. It serves as a valuable resource for mobile operators and Internet Service Providers (ISPs), offering guidance on improving peering and connectivity. Enhanced peering arrangements and connectivity are pivotal for the growth and efficiency of networks, ultimately facilitating better service provision to end-users.
Furthermore, the report delves into the enabling conditions necessary for IXPs to achieve their objectives, including the importance of supportive laws and regulations. Such frameworks are essential for fostering digital inclusion and attracting foreign content providers and cloud services.
As the Middle East continues to advance its digital infrastructure, the RIPE NCC's report stands as a testament to the region's commitment to developing a robust and efficient Internet ecosystem. It promises not only to aid in the immediate enhancement of connectivity and network efficiency but also to pave the way for long-term digital economic growth across the Arab countries in the Middle East.
The report can be downloaded both in English & Arabic.
Source: https://labs.ripe.net/author/ripe-labs-editor/country-reports/