Transit

Introduction to Transit

Transit fees are charges for moving your internet traffic but several requirements must be met to connect with the internet. First, every server, PC or device needs a unique IP number. But, the IP numbers need to be routed across the whole of the internet. So you need a connection between you network and a point of presence (POP). But the connection from your network to the POP needs to meet your needs. So, finally, the connection needs sufficient reliability and speed.

No individual can connect themselves to the whole of the internet because the internet is just too large for that. Therefore many different companies specialise in different types of transit such as national, local, international, transatlantic and European, etc. Every modern ISP is dependent on many such companies for their routing. As the amount of data being trasferred increases, the routing becomes more complex.

Transit Services

Because of our partnerships and contacts, we are able to supply and quote for transit at most of the well known UK data centres. For transit to your business address we can arrange for a consultation and can then obtain quotes for you from a variety of sources. So, if you are looking for dial-up, broadband, SDSL, or even gigabit connections, give us a call to see what is available.

Peering

Transit is expensive, so peering groups also known as internet exchanges have been formed around the world. LINX (the London INternet eXchange) is one of the largest and most successful of these with hundreds of members around the world. The LINX network enables large companies to move huge amounts of data between each other at low cost and high speed. The network is so successful, that it is now possible to connect to LINX from almost anywhere of significance.

The main routers of LINX are located in just six of the London Data Centres. LINX currently routes more than 100 gigabits of data and every internet connection in the UK uses LINX for some of it's transit. Therfore, it is important for UK ISPs to house their servers or a POP in one of those buildings. An ISP connecting their data centre to a LINX building with fibre optics is using a technique called backhauling. An ISP that doesn't connect to LINX will find it difficult and expensive to peer. Their network will also be less efficient, slower and more expensive to run.