Using our extensive experience with the Prague Peering Exchange, we have selected Cisco Nexus 7010 for the launch of the NIX.SK node. With this hardware profile the switches are located in two detached locations and are configured to be fully redundant. The interconnection of the switches is ensured by two independent routes each with double the desired capacity, so that failure of one of the routes does not affect the operation of the connection node.

Topology of NIX.CZ

In 2010, the topology of NIX.CZ Internet Exchange migrated from a “ring” topology to a virtualized “dual star”. This change provides greater stability to the whole peering platform and has also simplified further development. The change in the topology made it possible to carry out this transfer while only affecting one company at a time (i.e., the one being transferred). The change of technology also allowed for continued growth in the volume of transmitted data, as it was expected in the following years. At the same time, the new topology allowed the Association to open the new connection point NIX5, more than 8 years after the opening of the previous one. Because of a high demand for 100GE connections after 2014, NIX.CZ began to implement the Cisco Nexus 7710 access switches. In 2016, NIX.CZ also began running so-called passive points, which have no active technology but make it possible to connect to NIX.CZ using dark fibres.

NIX.CZ is currently using Cisco Nexus 7710 as its backbone switches in fully redundant configuration in the Czech Republic and Cisco Nexus 7710 as access switches in Slovakia. The interconnection technology of NIX.CZ continues to run on the link layer (Ethernet).

In mid 2019, NIX.CZ interconnected its nodes in Prague and Bratislava, enabling easy networking between the Czech Republic and Slovakia. This connection is realized by two independent 100GE circuits that are topologically separated.

Due to a lack of dark fibres, the backbone connections use the passive DWDM technology (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) running over the existing fibres, to allow an increase in the capacity of backbone interconnections to up to 32 channels per pair of optical fibres, without the need for additional dark fibres, however, this technology will be gradually replaced by 100GE circuits.

The Association runs its autonomous 6881 system on a platform of Cisco ASR1001 routers, enabling access to the internal services of the Association and connection of hosted TLD DNS servers, both via the IPv4 and IPv6 protocols. The smooth operation of the infrastructure is ensured by support servers installed at individual locations.

The Association continues to enable its members and customers to be interconnected using the IPv6 protocol. This connection is implemented within the same VLAN as IPv4 a fact which enables members and customers to operate routers and interfaces in a double protocol buffer mode. As of the end of 2011, 88 IPv6 networks have been interconnected representing approximately 80% of all participating networks.