The London Internet Exchange (LINX), a leading global Internet Exchange Point (IXP), has experienced a year of exciting milestones as 2024 comes to an end. This includes celebrating their 30th anniversary last month.
Since its launch, LINX has grown into a critical hub for global internet traffic, increasing its connected network capacity by 21% in one year, from 60.10 Tbps in 2023, to 72.91 Tbps in 2024. On top of this, the network traffic being passed across LINX’s global platforms continues to increase year on year. In 2024, LINX achieved its highest-ever network traffic, with a maximum peak of over 10.841 terabits per second (Tbps), up from 9.229 Tbps in 2023 and 7.424 Tbps in 2022.
In 1994, there were approximately 3 million internet users, a number that has skyrocketed to around 5.35 billion in 2024. This significant growth highlights how far internet has come, shaping how we connect, communicate, and conduct business. The London Internet Exchange (LINX) has been part of this journey, playing a crucial role in the development of internet infrastructure and facilitating connectivity for millions around the world.
Over the past three decades, LINX has expanded its portfolio of interconnection products and services to meet the evolving needs of its members. These offerings include Cloud Connect, Closed User Groups, and the Microsoft Azure Peering Service (MAPS). Together, they ensure reliable access to business-critical applications, give users greater control over their network traffic, help mitigate cyber-attack risks, and provide direct connections to Microsoft’s public cloud services.
LINX has members located in more than 85 countries. Over the last 12 months LINX celebrated 10 years of operations in the US through its LINX NoVA Internet Exchange in Northern Virginia. Additionally, the company took it’s first step into Africa with the launch of the LINX Nairobi Internet Exchange in Kenya in late 2023 and further announcements have come in 2024 with plans for LINX Mombasa and LINX Accra in 2025.
Additionally, LINX has welcomed a host of new partners as part of its UK growth strategy, including Lunar Digital Data Centre and AtlasEdge Data Centre in Manchester.
LINX also welcomed new CEO, Jennifer Holmes in November, who has been with the London Internet Exchange (LINX) since 2007. Holmes replaced Kurtis Lindqvist, who moved to a new role as CEO and Vice President of ICANN. Previously before Lindqvist, the CEO of LINX was John Souter until 2019.
Jennifer Holmes, CEO Of LINX commented:
“Over the past three decades, the internet has transformed the way we connect, communicate, and conduct business. As the digital landscape has evolved, so too has the infrastructure that supports it. LINX has played a vital role in this journey, adapting to the increasing demand for reliable connectivity and seamless online experiences.”
“Our recent 21% increase in network capacity shows our commitment to a robust and efficient internet ecosystem. This growth not only highlights our role in supporting businesses, ISPs, and content providers but also reflects the achievements of an interconnected global network.”
“LINX continues to sustain, grow, and optimise its services by introducing new products and pricing, ensuring it provides ongoing value for its 850+ members through flexible peering speeds and services.”
LINX aims to stay relevant in its core UK and London markets, while continuing to add value to local networking communities in other regions and its existing members. A key focus is on engaging with the membership, creating strong relationships, and actively responding to feedback to ensure continued growth and community alignment.
In celebration of 30 years of LINX, the organisation hosted a special event, LINX123, in November. The gathering brought together its membership community to reflect on LINX’s key role in driving the development of the internet, particularly in the UK.
