AMS-IX in Amsterdam Sees Web Visitors Quantity Double in 4 Years - The Amsterdam Internet Exchange (AMS-IX) has experienced significant growth over the past few years. In 2022, the total data traffic at the Amsterdam-based exchange reached an impressive 29.39 exabytes (EB), a significant leap from 14.12 EB in 2018. This reflects a more than twofold increase in just four years.
Such rapid growth is attributed to the growing demand for digital services and devices, which are essential for modern society. Additionally, global events like the pandemic have played a critical role in accelerating internet usage and the consequent rise in data transmission at AMS-IX. This article will take a closer look at how AMS-IX has expanded, how it is serving growing internet needs, and how it is positioning itself as a key digital gateway for Europe.
AMS-IX Data Traffic and Internet Growth
Significant Data Growth
AMS-IX reported that in 2022, the peak traffic passing through its platform was 11.6 terabits per second (Tbps). To put that into perspective, that volume of data is equivalent to streaming 2.3 million HD videos or more than 6.2 million TikTok videos at the same time.
This significant traffic milestone highlights the exponential growth in internet usage, both in terms of content consumption and the increasing number of devices connected to the web. The CEO of AMS-IX, Peter van Burgel, emphasized that this surge in internet traffic is a direct reflection of the ongoing digital transformation. The increasing reliance on digital services across different sectors, from entertainment to business, is driving the need for efficient and reliable internet exchanges like AMS-IX.
“In recent years, particularly during the pandemic, we have witnessed a surge in internet usage, which has resulted in substantial growth on our platform,” said Peter van Burgel, CEO of AMS-IX. “Our exchange plays a critical role in Europe’s digital landscape, serving as a vital gateway for internet traffic.”
Growth in Connected Networks and Port Usage
AMS-IX has also seen a rise in the number of networks connected to its platform. As of 2022, a total of 889 networks are connected to the AMS-IX in Amsterdam, with 38% of these networks holding AMS-IX membership.
Traditionally, the majority of networks connected to AMS-IX have used 10GE ports, but there has been a notable increase in the use of 100GE ports. The number of operational 100GE ports grew from 360 in 2021 to 428 in 2022, marking a 19% rise. This shift toward higher-capacity ports underscores the growing demand for faster and more efficient data transmission.
AMS-IX’s Global Roaming Exchange Growth
Increasing Demand for Global Roaming Services
The demand for AMS-IX’s Global Roaming Exchange (GRX) services has risen significantly due to the global increase in mobile data usage. As more people use mobile internet, particularly for international roaming, the need for data exchange between networks grows.
The GRX platform at AMS-IX allows networks to share data related to global roaming, which is crucial for users who rely on mobile internet services while traveling abroad. This type of data exchange is becoming increasingly important as mobile internet services become more widespread and integral to daily life.
In 2022, peak traffic on the GRX platform surged by 52% compared to 2021, reaching a new high of 312 Gbps. This rapid growth reflects the increasing reliance on mobile internet, both domestically and internationally, as well as the growing importance of efficient data exchange for mobile service providers.
AMS-IX Expands Beyond Amsterdam
AMS-IX has not limited its growth to the Netherlands. Over the past year, the exchange has made significant strides in expanding its network of Internet Exchanges (IXs) outside of Amsterdam.
New Internet Exchanges were launched in Hyderabad, Kolkata, Singapore, and Cairo in 2022. Among these, the Singapore exchange stands out for its rapid growth, already connecting seven networks shortly after its launch. This strategic expansion positions AMS-IX as a global player in the internet exchange market, catering to the growing demand for robust internet infrastructure in different regions.
AMS-IX’s other international exchanges also saw notable growth in 2022. The Hong Kong exchange experienced a new peak of 88 Gbps, while the Manama exchange in Bahrain reached a new peak of 465 Gbps. These increases in traffic further highlight AMS-IX’s expanding influence in the global internet exchange ecosystem.
The Role of AMS-IX in the Digital Ecosystem
AMS-IX as a Digital Gateway to Europe
AMS-IX serves as a crucial part of Europe’s digital infrastructure, connecting networks and enabling efficient data exchange across the continent. Its role as a digital gateway is particularly important given the increasing reliance on digital services, cloud computing, and streaming media.
The exchange's ability to handle large volumes of data traffic ensures that users across Europe have access to reliable and high-speed internet services. Moreover, its expansion into international markets allows AMS-IX to facilitate global internet traffic, further solidifying its position as a key player in the global digital ecosystem.
Partner Ecosystem and Innovation
AMS-IX’s success is not just due to its ability to manage large volumes of data. The organization has also fostered a growing ecosystem of partners, which plays a critical role in driving innovation and opening up new opportunities for collaboration.
As of 2022, AMS-IX has more than 60 reselling partners, enabling it to extend its reach to over 800 data centers in 64 countries. This extensive partner network allows AMS-IX to provide services to a wide range of customers, from large enterprises to smaller businesses, and facilitates the development of new technologies and services.
By partnering with data centers and service providers around the world, AMS-IX can continue to innovate and expand its offerings, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the internet exchange industry.
AMS-IX’s Future Outlook
Anticipating Continued Growth
As the demand for digital services and mobile internet continues to grow, AMS-IX is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends. The exchange has already demonstrated its ability to handle significant increases in data traffic, and its expansion into new markets shows that it is ready to meet the needs of a global internet ecosystem.
Moreover, the growing adoption of 100GE ports at AMS-IX reflects the increasing demand for high-speed data transmission, which is expected to continue as more businesses and consumers rely on data-intensive applications such as streaming media, cloud computing, and online gaming.
New Opportunities for Expansion and Innovation
Looking ahead, AMS-IX is likely to continue expanding its network of Internet Exchanges, both in Europe and beyond. By establishing new exchanges in key markets, AMS-IX can provide even more robust and efficient data exchange services to its customers.
Additionally, the growing importance of mobile internet and global roaming services presents new opportunities for AMS-IX to innovate and expand its GRX platform. As mobile data usage continues to rise, particularly in emerging markets, AMS-IX will play a critical role in facilitating efficient data exchange between networks.
Conclusion
The growth of AMS-IX in Amsterdam over the past four years is a testament to the increasing demand for digital services and the critical role that internet exchanges play in today’s global economy. With its extensive network of connected networks, its expanding international presence, and its growing partner ecosystem, AMS-IX is well-positioned to continue leading the way in the internet exchange industry.
As the world becomes more connected and reliant on digital services, AMS-IX will continue to play a key role in ensuring that data can flow efficiently and securely across networks, both in Europe and around the world.