The London Internet Exchange (LINX) have successfully completed their expansion of their Manchester network into new Equinix data centre facility known as MA5.
LINX Manchester is the interconnection hub for the north of the UK, launched back in 2012 by LINX to encourage the local exchange of network traffic.
The Internet Exchange Point (IXP) has a multi-site set up with physical switches in four data centres across the city, including existing Equinix facilities MA1 (Joule House) and MA3 (Williams House).
LINX Manchester was the first LINX exchange to be launched outside of London and it has grown significantly in the last two years, from traffic peaks of 174Gbps in November of 2020 to now regularly surpassing 300Gbps. The expansion into Equinix MA5 is expected to encourage even further growth for the exchange as the site is predicted to facilitate the next generation of digital transformation.
Jennifer Holmes, CCO for LINX says;
“We have noticed the increase in demand during the pandemic for our regional interconnection hubs like LINX Manchester. A number of the large content delivery networks needed increased capacity during this time, and LINX has also seen increased demand from the enterprise sector who are looking to facilitate a reliable hybrid working set up for their staff.
“The demand hasn’t slowed for us here at LINX as Manchester only continues to grow as a hive for technology and digital innovation.”
A recent article from Wired highlights that the BBC’s arrival in Salford in 2011 really was a turning point for the city digitally. Broadcasting and distributing content on a local level and adding an alternative base to London. The BBC remain a unique network present at LINX in London and Manchester and true ambassadors of peering.
LINX will be hosting their member event, LINX119 in Manchester, on 16th & 17th May. The event is held at the Manchester Central Convention Complex and includes updates on the local digital ecosystem and LINX Manchester’s network performance.
If you’re looking to find out more about regionalising your network traffic and LINX Manchester, reach out to the LINX team by emailing hello@linx.net