West African data center provider MDXI and global IXP platform provider Asteroid, have partnered to launch a carrier-neutral Internet Exchange Point (IXP) for the region called the West African Internet Exchange (WAF-IX).
WAF-IX based on Asteroid’s lightweight design, will be located in MDXI’s Tier III Data Centre in Lagos, Nigeria.
The main objectives behind WAF-IX are accessibility, lower costs and reduced latency for internet users in West Africa, according to MDXI.
Product Manager, MDXI/Peering Coordinator, WAF-IX, Vremudia Oghene-Ruemu stressed that the new Internet Exchange would complement national IXPs, improve regional traffic and ultimately foster the attainment of the digital economy across West Africa.
“Given the size of its markets and status as home to some of Africa’s biggest economies, West Africa is uniquely positioned to scale up its digital transformation efforts via Internet traffic growth.
“The West African Internet Exchange, hosted within our globally certified Data Centre will significantly improve traffic exchange and localization within West Africa, with benefits of reduced latency, improved speed and better quality of service to end users.
“WAF-IX will enable more Africa-focused global and local carriers take advantage of the region’s growing Internet penetration to enable services originating and terminating within the region,” said Oghene-Ruemu.
Asteroid CEO, Remco van Mook, added: “West Africa’s digital economy is on the rise, but huge gaps still exist in in-country interconnection.
“We believe that the Internet sector across West Africa has incredible potential for growth and will be greatly enabled by the West African Internet Exchange.
“Together, we can provide a gateway for West African networks to peer with international content providers.”
Earlier this month, MDXI acquired Gold Data Center certification for its commitment to the integration of the latest Microsoft product and relevant proven expertise.
By: ClaraDoku/techvoiceafrica.com
