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The not-for-profit London Internet Exchange, which handles a large chunk of UK and global data traffic through their switches via around 900 members (broadband ISPs, mobile and CDN providers etc.), has revealed that their LON2 network (interconnection platform) is nearing a key milestone of 1Tbps (Terabits per second) of peak network traffic and with a full technology refresh planned for later this year.
LINX currently operates two independent network fabrics in the city – LON1 and LON2, both interconnecting the 16 major data centre locations in London. LON1 is by far the largest of those networks, but LON2 was last refreshed in 2018 and does things a bit differently by being a disaggregated platform (i.e. the separation of hardware and software components that carry out the main functions of a network).
The LON2 architecture, employing “EVPN over VXLAN and featuring leaf-spine topology“, uses IP Infusion’s OcNOS
network operating system and switch hardware from Edgecore Networks. It’s essentially a fairly cost-effective entry point for a single peering Point of Presence (PoP) at LINX in London, and can also be added as an additional LAN to LON1 for extra resilience.
Many networks connected to LINX in London will thus mirror their services on both LON1 and LON2, with the confidence that in the rare event of network disruption on either fabric, they can re-route traffic and keep their business online. But the network is also in need of a technology refresh (upgrade), which is due to occur this year.
Richard Petrie, CTO of LINX, said:
“Our world-first disaggregated platform has given our members great service for the last 7 years with exceptional value from their investment and we hope to continue this as we innovate further. Our refresh of LON2 this year will bring potentially new technology partners, as we approach the 1Tbps traffic mark on the fabric, bringing many more years of resilience to our members.”
Sadly, LINX’s progress update doesn’t clarify precisely what the full refresh of LINX’s LON2 network in London will deliver, which is partly because they’re currently still deciding upon some of the details and the final upgrade plan. But the work on this is currently planned to “take place later this year” and will naturally need to be done in a way that avoids causing disruption.