AIoT : The Intersection of AI and IoT in Smart City Evolution

AIoT: The Intersection of AI and IoT in Smart City Evolution

By Mr. Sudhir Kunder, CBO of DE-CIX India

The Power of AIoT in Smart Cities

Cities are undergoing a profound transformation through the convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), known as AIoT. This integration is revolutionising urban landscapes, making them more intelligent, efficient, and responsive to citizens’ needs. With AI adoption in India growing by 60% in the past three years and IoT penetration expected to reach 80% by 2025, AIoT is poised to redefine urban living (Source: NASSCOM, IDC).

Transforming Urban Living with AIoT

Smarter Traffic Management

Traffic congestion remains a major challenge for urban infrastructure. AIoT-driven solutions leverage real-time data from traffic sensors, connected vehicles, and surveillance cameras to analyse traffic patterns and dynamically adjust signals. Cities like Singapore & Moscow have reported a 20% reduction in congestion with AI-based adaptive traffic lights (Source: World Economic Forum). Similar implementations in India’s metro cities could significantly enhance traffic flow and public transport efficiency.

Predictive Infrastructure Maintenance

Aging infrastructure demands proactive upkeep. AIoT sensors embedded in roads, bridges, and water pipelines detect wear-and-tear while AI predicts failures before they occur. This predictive maintenance model reduces costs by up to 30% and extends infrastructure life by 20% (Source: McKinsey & Company). Cities like Tokyo and Barcelona have successfully deployed AI-powered monitoring to prevent large-scale disruptions.

Smart Energy Management

Energy efficiency is key to sustainable urbanisation. AIoT-powered smart grids analyse real-time consumption, optimise distribution, and integrate renewable sources. By predicting peak usage, AIoT ensures efficient energy management. In India, over 50% of major power grids are deploying AI-driven solutions, supported by government-backed smart grid projects (Source: Ministry of Power, India).

Advanced Public Safety and Surveillance

AI-powered surveillance, integrated with IoT-enabled cameras and sensors, enhances urban security. Facial recognition and predictive analytics aid authorities in preventing crimes before they occur. China’s AI surveillance networks have led to a 30% decline in crime rates in monitored regions (Source: MIT Technology Review). In India, AI-driven public safety solutions are expected to scale with the expansion of 5G networks by Reliance Jio and Airtel.

Disaster Response & Environmental Monitoring

AIoT plays a crucial role in early disaster detection and environmental monitoring. Real-time data on air quality, weather conditions, and seismic activity helps authorities issue timely warnings and deploy emergency responses. AI-driven flood prediction models in the Netherlands have improved evacuation planning by 40%, setting a precedent for India’s flood-prone regions (Source: European Commission on Disaster Risk Reduction).

Challenges & Ethical Considerations

Despite its advantages, AIoT adoption faces hurdles like data privacy concerns, cybersecurity risks, and high deployment costs. With India drafting the Personal Data Protection Bill, it is crucial to strike a balance between innovation and responsible AIoT implementation.

Recent AI and IoT Developments in India

AI and IoT in Urban Infrastructure

India’s rapid urbanisation necessitates sustainable and efficient infrastructure. AI and IoT technologies are pivotal in realising the country’s ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision for development. Government-backed smart city initiatives are driving digital transformation at scale.

Technological Showcases in Smart Cities

The Convergence India & Smart Cities India Expo 2025, themed ‘Imagining an AI-Driven Future Today,’ highlights India’s strides in AI and IoT. With over 1,00,000 participants, the expo showcases innovations that position India as a global leader in digital urban solutions.

AI in Public Safety at Mass Gatherings

The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, dubbed the “Digital Maha Kumbh”, is set to use AI-driven facial recognition and crowd monitoring technologies. With an expected 400 million visitors over six weeks, AIoT solutions will enhance public safety, monitor crowd density, and prevent stampedes (Source: Uttar Pradesh Government Digital Initiative).

The Role of DE-CIX India in Enabling AIoT-Powered Smart Cities

As India’s leading Internet Exchange, DE-CIX India plays a vital role in AIoT integration by ensuring ultra-low latency, high-speed, and secure data exchange. AIoT applications depend on real-time data processing—from traffic management to predictive infrastructure maintenance—and DE-CIX India facilitates seamless interconnectivity. By strengthening digital infrastructure, DE-CIX accelerates smart city innovation and supports India’s transition to an interconnected urban ecosystem.

The Future of AIoT in Smart Cities

The adoption of AIoT is no longer a matter of ‘if’ but ‘how fast.’ Cities investing in AIoT-driven transformation will be better equipped to address challenges in urbanisation, sustainability, and resource optimisation. Collaboration between governments, enterprises, and technology leaders will be key to realising AIoT’s full potential in shaping the cities of tomorrow.

About Mr. Sudhir Kunder, CBO of DE-CIX India

Mr. Sudhir Kunder, Chief Business Officer at DE-CIX India, brings over 30+ years of expertise in telecommunications, FMCG, retail, and ICT. Specialising in Corporate Governance, Strategic Planning, and Service Management, he plays a pivotal role in shaping DE-CIX India’s vision. A strong advocate of situational leadership, he fosters collaboration, innovation, and strategic growth.

About DE-CIX India

DE-CIX India is a premier Interconnection Platform, facilitating seamless peering between major Indian and global networks. With presence in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, DE-CIX enhances internet performance for ISPs, CDNs, OTT platforms, and enterprises, strengthening India’s digital economy.

Beyond Bandwidth: Crafting Hyperlocal Digital Experiences with DE-CIX’s Edge

Beyond Bandwidth: Crafting Hyperlocal Digital Experiences with DE-CIX’s Edge

The Frustration of Digital Lag

Imagine this:
You’re streaming the IPL final—last over, three balls to go—edge of your seat stuff. Suddenly… buffering. The screen freezes. You miss the winning shot. Rage.

Or it’s an e-commerce Big Billion Days—the deal you waited all year for just dropped. You rush to checkout… and the page takes forever to load. By the time it responds, sold out.

These aren’t just digital hiccups—they’re deal-breakers. Every millisecond delay in streaming or transactions isn’t just frustrating. It’s a lost user, a missed conversion, a broken experience.

In an era where immediacy is expected, digital experiences must be seamless, responsive, and localised.

That’s where DE-CIX steps in.

With its edge infrastructure, DE-CIX isn’t just enhancing bandwidth—it’s redefining how digital services are delivered at a hyperlocal level.
The result? Businesses and consumers enjoy
low-latency, high-quality interactions—exactly when and where they need them most.

Because in today’s digital world, if your data can’t move fast, your customers will.

The “Hyperlocal Experience” Framework

Hyperlocal digital experiences go beyond just speed. They encompass personalisation, seamless interactivity, and real-time responsiveness, all enabled by efficient content localisation. DE-CIX’s edge infrastructure ensures data doesn’t have to travel long distances, reducing latency and optimising performance. But how does all this play out in everyday business scenarios? Let’s break it down by industry.

1. Local Media and Streaming Services

  • Video buffering is the enemy of engagement. DE-CIX’s edge infrastructure addresses this challenge by enabling local content caching and rapid distribution, ensuring ultra-smooth streaming experiences. As a result, news websites and regional content providers can deliver location-specific content faster, boosting viewership and retention.
  • DE-CIX India has also observed remarkable growth across multiple sectors. Online gaming surged by 2054%, OTT and VOD platforms rose by 1964%, and social and online media traffic grew by 1096%. ISPs saw a 929% increase, Content Delivery Networks expanded by 855%, and hosting services grew by 466%. These figures reflect a significant shift in how Indians consume digital content, marking a new era of hyperconnectivity and digital transformation. This evolution is driven by increased smartphone penetration, affordable data, and a rising demand for high-speed internet.

2. Regional E-Commerce Platforms

  • Slow-loading product pages and laggy checkout experiences deter customers. DE-CIX’s infrastructure ensures that localised servers minimise delays, making online shopping more efficient.
  • Payment gateways and inventory management systems gain from faster transaction processing times, improving reliability. Customers such as Visa have recognized the value of the advanced technologies implemented, leading to several other significant ongoing engagements.

3. Smart City Applications

  • Real-time traffic monitoring, emergency response systems, and IoT-enabled urban infrastructure require instant data processing.
  • DE-CIX’s edge capabilities allow municipalities to deploy smarter, more efficient services, improving urban living.

Future of Hyperlocal: What’s Next?

As digital demands grow, trends like 5G, IoT, and immersive AR/VR experiences will further drive the need for hyperlocal infrastructure. DE-CIX’s edge will play a pivotal role in:

  • You’re watching the IPL final on your 5G phone—the match is intense, last over, and every second counts. But without fast, localized data offloading, your stream stutters just as the bowler runs in.This is where 5G + DE-CIX come in. With faster data offloading and edge-based interconnection, mobile networks can handle traffic locally, ensuring ultra-responsive, uninterrupted streaming—even during peak events like IPL.
  • Now switch scenes—it’s a large e-commerce platform that runs Big Billion Days. You’re at a smart warehouse where IoT sensors manage inventory and logistics in real time. One glitch in connectivity, and the deal you just bought can’t be processed or shipped.Thanks to real-time IoT data exchange powered by DE-CIX, e-commerce platforms can ensure orders are processed, picked, and packed with precision—no delays, no losses.
  • And let’s not forget the growing buzz around AR and VR. Imagine trying out a product virtually during the sale, or watching the IPL in a VR stadium with friends from different cities. One second of lag—and immersion is gone.That’s why low-latency interconnection is critical. DE-CIX enables the ultra-fast data transfer AR/VR apps need to feel real—turning what used to be futuristic into everyday experience.

Take the Hyperlocal Leap

Businesses that prioritise hyperlocal digital experiences will gain a competitive edge in user engagement and performance. Whether you operate in media, e-commerce, or smart technologies, leveraging DE-CIX’s edge services can transform how you deliver digital interactions.

Are you ready to move beyond bandwidth and embrace hyperlocal efficiency? Explore DE-CIX’s edge solutions today and craft the next generation of seamless digital experiences.

 

Multi-Cloud Made Simple: Your Path To Flexible And Secure Connectivity

Multi-Cloud Made Simple: Your Path to Flexible and Secure Connectivity

If you’ve been in the technology sector, you’ve probably encountered the term multi-cloud. It sounds all techy, right? But let’s break it down—it’s just about using multiple cloud services from different providers instead of putting all your eggs in one basket. Imagine trying to pick the best playlist for a party; wouldn’t you want a mix of genres to keep things lively? That’s exactly what a multi-cloud strategy does for your business!

According to a report by IDC, the Indian cloud market is projected to reach $13.5 billion with a CAGR of 24.1%by 2026. it’s clear this approach is becoming a staple in digital infrastructure. Think of it as a way to tap into the best features from companies likeAmazon Web Services (AWS),Microsoft Azure, Oracle, and Google Cloud—while also keeping your options open.

But before you jump on board, it’s important to acknowledge the bumps on the road ahead. While multi-cloud offers fantastic benefits, it also comes with its own set of challenges, especially for your IT teams. With98% of enterprisesalready integrating multiple clouds, knowing how to connect and manage these services is crucial.

What Exactly is Multi-cloud?

At its core, Multi-cloud is all about using cloud services from different providers instead of sticking to just one. It’s like having a backup plan for your backup plan! – Think Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Oracle, or Google Cloud—businesses are spreading their wings and utilising several cloud platforms. This approach not only enhances flexibility but also optimises performance for various workloads.
needing a secure private cloud for sensitive data while utilising a cost-effective public cloud for heavy media files is a necessity. That’s the power of multi-cloud! You get to mix and match to create the perfect environment for your needs.

Why Go Multi-cloud? The Perks You Can’t Ignore

The multi-cloud approach isn’t just about having options; it’s about empowering your business with some serious advantages:

1. Disaster Recovery and Redundancy

Picture this: one of your cloud providers goes down. Yikes, right? With a multi-cloud setup, you can quickly failover to another cloud, keeping your data safe and minimising downtime. Less downtime means more productivity—win-win!

2. Enhanced Security and Compliance

In a world where data breaches are all too common, multi-cloud can bolster your security. By choosing cloud providers that meet specific regulatory requirements, you can ensure that your sensitive information stays protected, especially in industries like finance and government.

3. Lower Latency and Improved Performance

With your data spread across different clouds, you can serve it from the region closest to your users. This means faster load times and a smoother experience. Tools like Megaport Cloud Router (MCR) can help you optimise connectivity, making it a breeze for businesses with multiple locations.

4. Avoid Vendor Lock-In

Sticking to one cloud provider can lead to headaches—think cost issues and restrictive contracts. A multi-cloud strategy keeps you flexible, allowing you to switch providers or combine services without being tied down.

5. Innovation at Your Fingertips

With the rapid evolution of technology, multi-cloud lets you tap into the latest features and tools from various providers, including AI and machine learning. Stay ahead of the curve and keep your business competitive!

Best Practices for Secure Multi-cloud Connectivity

Now that you’re all hyped about multi-cloud, let’s talk about keeping it secure. With workloads spread across multiple clouds and on-premises data centers, network engineers have their work cut out for them.

Application Awareness: Not all applications are created equal. Prioritise your security policies based on the importance of each application to your business. This tailored approach is far more effective than a one-size-fits-all solution.

Dynamic Security Policies:Implement dynamic, rules-based security policies that adapt to your applications rather than the underlying infrastructure. This flexibility is crucial in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.

Leverage New Technologies:Tools like SD-WAN, SASE, and Security Services Edge (SSE) can help orchestrate secure multi-cloud connectivity. These technologies provide centralised control and visibility over your applications, making management a breeze.

Conclusion:

Multi-cloud is becoming not just a nice-to-have but an essential part of any organisation’s strategy. By embracing multi-cloud, businesses can enhance their flexibility, security, and performance while avoiding vendor lock-in.
So, are you ready to dive into the multi-cloud revolution?
Let’s make sure your cloud journey is as smooth as possible! If you have any questions or need more insights on multi-cloud strategies, feel free to check out our De-Cix’s Whitepapers on Multi-Cloud Strategies.

https://www.de-cix.net/en/resources/articles/one-cloud-is-never-enough-why-a-resilient-multi-cloud-scenario-is-essential

IoT – The latest Tech Trend}

The Indian Internet of Things (IoT) market is expected to reach $15.35 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.20% from 2024

The IoT scene is buzzing, and it’s all about staying in the loop with the latest tech trends. Think about it: sensors, smart devices, better connectivity, and AI are totally changing the game across industries and in our everyday lives.

If you want your organisation to be a leader in this IoT revolution, now’s the time to dive in. Whether you’re in healthcare, manufacturing, or urban planning, the opportunities for boosting efficiency and sparking innovation are huge. As IoT keeps growing at lightning speed, being able to tap into its potential is going to set you apart from the crowd.

The Massive Growth of the Internet of Things Market

The Indian Internet of Things (IoT) market is expected to reach $15.35 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.20% from 2024.

Several factors are propelling this remarkable growth:

  • Device innovation: Original Device Manufacturers (QRMs)and chipmakers are focusing on power-efficient designs and edge computing capabilities
  • Connectivity improvements: The rollout of 5G networks and low-power protocols like NB-IoT are boosting connectivity and energy efficiency.
  • IoT platform evolution: Major players such as AWS IoT and Microsoft Azure are enhancing their offerings with advanced analytics and Al integration
  • Impact Across Industrie

  • Supply chain management: Real-time tracking and predictive maintenance is optimising logistics operations.
  • Healthcare: Remote patient monitoring
  • Smart cities: IoT-enabled infrastructure is enhancing urban living through improved traffic management, energy efficiency, and public safety
  • Key Drivers Powering loT Expansion

    Enhanced Connectivity

    The rollout of 5G infrastructure and the development of low-power long-range protocols like NB-loI are revolutionising loT connectivity. These improvements are not only boosting data transfer speeds but also extending battery life and expanding network coverage. As a result, lot devices can now operate more efficiently in remote locations and challenging
    environments.

    Al Integration and Platform Evolution

    Artificial Intelligence is becoming increasingly intertwined with IoT allowing for intelligent automation and data-driven decision-making. Major IoT platforms like AWS IoT and Microsoft Azure IoT are advancing their services, focusing on seamless device management, advanced analytics, and Al

    Consumer-Centric Approaches

    The IoT industry is witnessing a shift towards more user-friendly interfaces across mobile, hybrid, and desktop platforms. This trend is facilitating wider adoption of IT applications in daily life, with growing popularity in wearables, voice-controlled devices, and augmented reality experiences . As IoT becomes more accessible and intuitive, it’s transforming how we interact with our environment and manage our daily tasks

    For instance,

    Chitale Bhandu has effectively integrated IoT technology with DirectCLOUD service from DE-CIX India to improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. For instance, by deploying IoT sensors in the supply chain, the company can monitor the temperature and humidity of stored and transported products in real-time, ensuring the quality of sweets and snacks is maintained. Data collected from these IoT devices is securely stored and analysed through cloud services, enhancing inventory management and enabling quick responses to issues, such as a malfunctioning cooling system.

    IoT also facilitates smart inventory systems that automate stock tracking, relaying this information to cloud-based applications for real-time decision-making. This combination of technologies optimises production and logistics while also improving customer experiences through connected applications that offer personalised product recommendations and notifications about new offerings.
    This synergy of IoT and cloud computing leads to greater efficiency, improved product quality, and more effective customer engagement, positioning the company strongly in the competitive food industry.

    Conclusion

    The projected growth of the IoT market to $15.35 billion by 2029highlights the transformative impact of technological advancements such as enhanced devices, 5G connectivity, and AI integration. This evolution is not only driving efficiency and innovation across various sectors but also enabling real-time applications like supply chain tracking, remote healthcare monitoring, and intelligent urban management. As industries continue to embrace IoT solutions, we can expect significant improvements in operational effectiveness, resource management, and overall quality of life, paving the way for a more connected and efficient future.

    Data Center Interconnection (DCI)

    Understanding Data Center Interconnect with DE-CIX India

    When you hear the term Data Center Interconnection (DCI), the idea of connectivity is likely the first thing that comes to mind. Simply put, DCI enables the linking of data centers for smooth data exchange and communication. In today’s interconnected world, this connectivity is essential; without it, the conveniences we enjoy would simply not exist. Just think back to the era of jotting down phone numbers, relying on landlines, and spending hours in libraries to find information. The Internet has revolutionised our access to connectivity, becoming integral to our everyday lives.

    What is Data Center Interconnect (DCI)?

    Data Center Interconnect (DCI) is a service of connecting data centers enabling seamless communication and data transfer. In the era of cloud computing, big data, and digital transformation, DCI addresses the challenges posed by increasing data volumes and the need for robust disaster recovery and business continuity plans. DE-CIX India, a leading Interconnection Platform, is pivotal in facilitating DCI by providing a neutral and scalable interconnection platform for local and international networks.

    The service employed in DCI are designed to ensure high-speed, secure, and reliable connections. Different methods can be implemented based on factors such as required data transfer speeds, security considerations, and the physical distance between data centers.

    The primary objective of DCI is to enable efficient communication and data transfer between distributed data centers. Key objectives include:

  • DCI services allow businesses to easily scale their infrastructure by connecting to multiple data centers, ensuring they can handle growing data demands and avoid capacity limitations.
  • Allows organisations to connect to a wide range of network providers, offering flexibility and avoiding vendor lock-in.
  • Providing better access to regional networks and internet exchange points, benefiting end users.
  • DCI provides various connection types, such as Point-to-Point (P2P), Point-to-Multipoint, or Any-to-Any connections, allowing businesses to choose the best topology for their needs.
  • Reduces the need for dedicated physical infrastructure between data centers by leveraging shared networks and resources, helping businesses lower operational costs.
  • How is DCI Used?

    DCI services facilitate the seamless movement of content to, from, and between data centers, playing a critical role across various industries. In healthcare, DCI enable hospitals to address stringent business and clinical demands while preparing for future growth. In the fintech sector, DCI provides the robust networking infrastructure required by banks to manage traffic for digital products, including digital money transfers, real-time payments, and open banking via APIs.

    Moreover, DCI is essential for enabling data sharing with third-party providers and financial exchanges, integral to a bank’s digital services ecosystem. As enterprises gradually migrate their IT resources to multi-tenant and public clouds, the demand for DCI connectivity from enterprise data centers and between cloud data centers is poised to grow in parallel with this trend.

    The Importance of DCI for Businesses and Organisations

    DCI is critically important for businesses and organisations, primarily because it ensures operational efficiency and reliability. Here are a few reasons why DCI is essential:

  • DCI services allow businesses to easily scale their infrastructure by connecting to multiple data centers, ensuring they can handle growing data demands and avoid capacity limitations.
  • Elastic capacity options help organisations scale up or down based on their needs, optimising costs.
  • Allows organisations to connect to a wide range of network providers, offering flexibility and avoiding vendor lock-in.
  • Carrier-neutral environments ensure better redundancy and performance optimisation through multiple network paths.
  • It also enables virtual connections that allow fast provisioning without the need for additional physical infrastructure.
  • Pay-as-you-go models or other flexible pricing structures enable businesses to optimise costs based on their usage.
  • Example:

    A telecom provider uses Data Center Interconnect (DCI) to link data centers, ensuring seamless traffic management during high-demand events like holidays or sports broadcasts. DCI also supports 5G rollout by integrating edge data centers with core networks, reducing latency and enhancing user experience while maintaining reliable, high-speed connectivity.

    Conclusion

    Data Center Interconnects (DCIs) are indispensable in ensuring reliable, high-performing, and seamless data center operations across industries. By facilitating smooth communication and workload distribution, DCIs enhance the efficiency of interconnected ecosystems. Their categorisation into intra-data center, campus, and metro interconnects highlights their adaptability to diverse communication needs, making them a cornerstone of modern data infrastructure.

    The rise of edge data centers, driven by advancements in 5G, IoT, CDNs, SDNs, NFV, and AR/VR technologies, further underscores the evolution of DCIs. Positioned strategically at aggregation points, edge data centers provide low-latency computing resources, optimize bandwidth, and bridge the gap between raw data generation and traditional data center capacities. As organisations continue to navigate a data-intensive world, the synergy between DCIs and edge data centers remains critical in enabling efficient, scalable, and future-ready distributed computing ecosystems.

    The DE-CIX Cloud ROUTER

    Secure, High-Performance Cloud Interconnectivity

    Enterprises are increasingly faced with the need for secure and high-performance cloud connectivity. The DE-CIX Cloud ROUTER is an innovative solution that enables direct and private data exchange between cloud environments. This technology helps organsations optimise their cloud infrastructure, improving application performance and enhancing security against cyber threats. By leveraging DE-CIX’s robust platform, users can efficiently route traffic between public and private clouds, cutting out unnecessary data trips and reducing costs.

    What is the DE-CIX Cloud ROUTER?

    The DE-CIX Cloud ROUTER is a cutting-edge solution that revolutionises cloud interconnectivity, offering secure and high-performance data exchange between various cloud environments. This innovative technology allows enterprises to efficiently route traffic directly between public and private clouds, resulting in enhanced application performance and bolstered security against cyber threats.

    Key Features and Benefits

    The Cloud ROUTER leverages DE-CIX’s private, resilient, carrier-grade platform to deliver exceptional performance. It offers flexible bandwidths ranging from 100 Mbps to 400 Gbps, catering to diverse business needs. One of its primary advantages is the elimination of multiple data trips between data center locations and the cloud, leading to more efficient routing and reduced latency.

    Enhanced Security and Simplified Management

    Security is a paramount concern in today’s digital landscape, and the DE-CIX Cloud ROUTER addresses this by providing improved protection against cyber-attacks through direct routing within DE-CIX’s platform.

    Robust Security and Redundancy

    Security is paramount in today’s digital landscape. The DE-CIX Cloud ROUTER provides increased protection against cyber-attacks through direct routing within DE-CIX’s private, resilient, carrier-grade platform. This approach not only enhances security but also ensures redundancy by design, minimising downtime and maintaining business continuity.

    Cost-Effective and User-Friendly

    Implementing the DE-CIX Cloud ROUTER is a cost-effective solution for cloud services. Furthermore, the platform offers reduced cloud egress costs, making it an economically attractive option for businesses of all sizes.

    How the DE-CIX Cloud ROUTER Enables Multi-Cloud and Hybrid-Cloud Connectivity?

    The DE-CIX Cloud ROUTER serves as a powerful tool for businesses seeking to optimise their cloud infrastructure. This innovative solution facilitates seamless connectivity between various cloud environments, enabling both multi-cloud and hybrid-cloud architectures.

    Multi-Cloud Connectivity

    The DE-CIX Cloud ROUTER allows enterprises to connect effortlessly to multiple cloud service providers. This multi-cloud approach offers several advantages:

  • Flexibility in choosing the best services from different providers
  • Reduced vendor lock-in
  • Enhanced disaster recovery capabilities
  • By leveraging the DE-CIX platform, organisations can establish direct, high-performance connections between different cloud environments, ensuring optimal data exchange and application performance.

    Hybrid-Cloud Integration

    For businesses maintaining on-premise equipment alongside cloud services, the DE-CIX Cloud ROUTER provides a robust solution for hybrid-cloud connectivity. This integration offers:

  • Seamless data flow between on-premise and cloud environments
  • Improved security through private, direct connections
  • Enhanced control over sensitive data
  • The Cloud ROUTER flexible bandwidth options, ranging from 100 Mbps to 400 Gbps, allow organisations to scale their connectivity as needed, ensuring optimal performance for mission-critical applications in both on-premise and cloud environments.

    Conclusion

    The DE-CIX Cloud ROUTER represents a significant advancement in cloud interconnectivity, offering enterprises and Internet Service Providers a secure, high-performance solution for direct data exchange between cloud environments.

    By leveraging DE-CIX’s robust platform, organisations can optimise their network architecture, enhance application performance, and bolster cybersecurity measures. The Cloud ROUTER’s flexible bandwidth options, simple setup process, and cost-effective design make it an attractive option for businesses seeking to streamline their multi-cloud and hybrid-cloud strategies. As cloud adoption continues to accelerate, solutions like the DE-CIX Cloud ROUTER will play a crucial role in enabling efficient, secure, and scalable cloud interconnectivity for organisations across industries.

    Microsoft Azure Peering Service: An Overview

    As an internet service provider or enterprise, you’re constantly seeking ways to optimise your network performance and deliver superior connectivity to your customers. Microsoft Azure Peering Service, a cutting-edge solution designed to enhance your direct connectivity to Microsoft’s global network. This service offers you a more reliable and optimised network experience for your users accessing Microsoft’s cloud services. In this article, you’ll discover how Azure Peering Service works and explore its benefits for your organisation. Additionally, you’ll learn about DE-CIX India’s role in this ecosystem, providing you with valuable insights to make informed decisions about your network infrastructure and cloud connectivity strategies.

    What is Microsoft Azure Peering Service?

    Optimizing Cloud Connectivity

    Microsoft Azure Peering Service is a networking solution that enhances connectivity to Microsoft’s cloud services, including Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, and Azure. This service optimises public internet routing, providing customers with reliable and high-performing connectivity to the Microsoft network. By partnering with internet service providers (ISPs), internet exchange partners (IXPs), and software-defined cloud interconnect (SDCI) providers, Microsoft ensures optimal routing from the customer to its cloud services.

    Key Benefits and Features

    The Microsoft Azure Peering Service offers several advantages for enterprises and service providers:

    • Best public routing over the internet for optimal performance and reliability
    • Traffic insights, including latency reporting and prefix monitoring
    • Optimum network hops from the Microsoft cloud
    • Route analytics and statistics, including BGP route anomalies detection

    According to Microsoft, the service uses redundancy at both local and geo-levels to ensure robust and reliable connectivity.

    How Azure Peering Service Works?

    Direct and Optimised Connectivity

    The Azure Peering Service provides a direct, private connection between your network and Microsoft’s cloud services, bypassing the public internet. This dedicated pathway offers highly reliable and optimised internet connectivity to Microsoft’s SaaS services like Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365. By leveraging this service, you can experience improved network performance, enhanced security, and simplified network management.

    Collaboration with Internet Exchange Providers

    Microsoft collaborates with leading internet exchange operators like DE-CIX to expand the reach of Azure Peering Service. For instance, DE-CIX now offers this service through its Mumbai and Chennai platforms, enabling SMEs, enterprises, telcos, and ISPs to benefit from enterprise-class interconnection services. This collaboration ensures that you can access Microsoft’s cloud services with low latency and high bandwidth, closer to your location.

    Flexible Connectivity Options

    To utilise the Azure Peering Service, you can connect your on-premises network to a Microsoft edge location through a supported internet service provider or exchange provider. The service supports both Layer 2 and Layer 3 connections, offering flexibility in how you establish your connection. Once connected, you can easily provision and manage your Azure Peering Service connections through the Azure portal or API, streamlining your cloud connectivity management process.

    Benefits of Azure Peering for Providers
    Enhanced Performance and Reliability

    Azure Peering Service offers providers a unique opportunity to deliver superior connectivity to Microsoft cloud services.

    By optimising routing on the Microsoft network, the service ensures high availability and predictable performance. This optimisation allows providers to offer their customers a more reliable and efficient connection to critical services like Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365.

    Improved Customer Satisfaction

    Providers can significantly enhance their value proposition by offering Azure Peering Service. The service’s ability to provide consistent, predictable performance with a service level agreement (SLA) means providers can guarantee a superior user experience. This leads to increased customer satisfaction and potentially higher retention rates, as businesses rely more heavily on cloud-based applications.

    Advanced Monitoring and Insights

    Azure Peering Service equips providers with powerful tools for network management. The service offers traffic insights such as latency reporting and prefix monitoring, enabling providers to proactively address issues and optimise their networks. Additionally, route analytics and statistics, including detection of BGP route anomalies, allow providers to maintain optimal routing and quickly resolve any connectivity problems.

    Competitive Advantage

    By partnering with Microsoft for Azure Peering Service, providers can differentiate themselves in a crowded market. The ability to offer optimised public connectivity and local internet breakouts positions providers as premium partners for businesses heavily reliant on Microsoft cloud services. This competitive edge can lead to increased market share and revenue growth opportunities.

    USED CASES:

    HOCHTIEF AND Microsoft Azure Peering Service (MAPS)

    HOCHTIEF, the world’s 5th largest construction company, faced challenges with latency and connectivity between their infrastructure and Microsoft’s servers. By utilising Microsoft Azure Peering Service (MAPS) through DE-CIX, they experienced a remarkable transformation. The number of hops between their infrastructure and Microsoft’s servers drastically decreased, leading to a significant reduction in latency by 90% and consistently leading to a 50% reduction in trouble tickets. Specifically, HOCHTIEF’s Multi-Cloud-Connect Service by ecotel , powered by MAPS, brought down the connection time to Microsoft Teams from their headquarters from 53 milliseconds to just 5 milliseconds. This drastic improvement revolutionised their communication and collaboration capabilities, enabling faster and more efficient employee interactions, and ultimately boosting productivity and operational efficiency.

    Conclusion

    As a provider, leveraging the Microsoft Azure Peering Service through DE-CIX India offers significant advantages for your enterprise customers. By optimising routing and reducing latency, you can deliver an enhanced user experience for Microsoft 365 and other Azure-based applications. The service’s built-in redundancy and direct connectivity ensure reliable performance, even during network disruptions. As cloud adoption continues to accelerate, offering Azure Peering Service positions you as a forward-thinking partner equipped to meet evolving business needs. By embracing this solution, you’ll strengthen your competitive edge and provide added value to your customers. Consider exploring Azure Peering Service through DE-CIX India to elevate your service offerings and drive customer satisfaction

    News piece of DE-CIX Microsoft Azure Peering Service services impact on HOITCHEF

    Best ISP Practices: While Connecting to an Internet Exchange

    Internet Exchange is a physical infrastructure through which Content Aggregators and ISP’s exchange internet traffic. More advancements in IX technology have been seen over the last 10 years.

    Normally, the success of an IXP should be measured by its ability to sustainably contribute to the development of the Internet ecosystem within its community. Growth in the number of members connecting to IX encourages to exchange the internet traffic and keep it local.

    Members connect to Internet exchanges to peer directly with other ISP & content networks which results in lower reliance on Internet transit, with improved reliability & efficiency. As per Peering DB, there are now more than 600+ public internet exchange points. The main features of IX are to provide route-server peering.

    The peering policy of an IXP is normally categorized as Bilateral & Multilateral (Route Server) Peering.

    • The Bilateral Peering policy allows each network operator to choose which other network operators it wants to exchange traffic with. Peering connections must be manually established through coordinated technical action taken by both parties in the peering relationship.
    • Multilateral/Route Server Peering policy allows all the operators connected to the IXP to automatically exchange traffic with each other by making a single connection to a central service called a Route Server. This makes it easy for network operators to establish and manage large numbers of peering relationships at the exchange.

    While configuring these peering at IX, many issues have been reported with respect to misconfiguration of routers by new members. Some of the issues reported include unwanted broadcasts, MAC Flooding, ICMP redirects, misconfiguration of Rules & Filters.

    ISP’s should be aware of the best practices while connecting to Internet Exchanges.

    Download this documents presented at JANOG on “IX Configuration Best practices

    DE-CIX India provides Bilateral Peering & Route Server Peering through its world-class infrastructure backed by DE-CIX. This allows 220+ Networks to interconnect with each other.

    The Digital Triangle for Edge Interconnection

    Digital is reshaping how business is done. We are at the cusp of a completely new age in global economics, with enterprises, regardless of size and heritage, redefining their activities and their sectors based on digitalization. Organizations are leveraging their digital strength to reshape their own business models and how business is done within and across entire sectors, including automotive/mobility, healthcare, finance, and media.

    As they become digital, organizations are needing a new interconnection service regime customized for their needs. New and transformative technologies, like IoT, artificial intelligence, and 5G, are accelerating the pace of change in markets around the globe. These disruptive elements will serve as a “digital interconnection triangle” of future innovation, in turn creating still further interconnection needs at the edge.

    The heart, hand, and brain of future innovation

    Interconnection at the edge requires a new way of handling data streams, and a new way of interconnecting players within an ecosystem. The key factors that influence edge interconnection (if you will, the heart, the hand, and the brain of future innovation) are:

    5G (the heart):

    5G enables the management of a lot of different frequencies, and also enables the transmission of multiple data streams. Designed primarily for maintaining data from a huge number of sensors, 5G represents the foundation for the future evolution of the Internet of Things.

    IoT (the hand):

    IoT represents function in the digital interconnection triangle. In a 5G-enabled environment, it will be possible to connect an enormous number of devices within a physically limited space. This will open the way to digitalizing more and more currently purely mechanical processes. But managing the enormous number of sensors and data streams that will result in the Internet of Things in the future will not be possible without the support of artificial intelligence.

    AI (the brain):

    AI is essential in this mix in order to create the logic management and maintenance of data streams for innovative use cases and the respective ecosystem involved in the specific environment. This is the only way that the interconnection of millions of sensors in the Internet of Things can be managed efficiently. The solution is intelligently managed software-defined edge interconnection.

    Each of these factors is dependent on the other two, and it is only when they are interconnected that they can drive digital evolution. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

    Unlocking new use cases with edge interconnection

    Use cases that reflect this digital interconnection triangle will be many and various, but current scenarios include connected cars and autonomous vehicles on the one hand, and Agriculture 4.0 on the other. In both of these use cases, there is the need for widescale deployment of 5G masts, including edge computing capabilities (edge data centers), and the associated fiber connectivity to local data centers and regional cloud solutions. For these use cases, IoT devices and sensors are needed both within the landscape (in the road and in the soil to measure physical conditions) and on the mobile objects (throughout cars – the car itself can be considered as a mobile edge data center – and on autonomous farm machinery or watering/fertilization systems, for example).

    From this point, the masses of data that are generated by the given use case need to be intelligently sorted into, among other things: data that needs to be processed locally with extremely low latency to enable rapid response times; data that can be sent to the cloud for processing if the response times are less critical; data that needs to be accessed by specific actors (but not others) in the value chain: and data that will be stored long-term versus data that will be discarded. The list goes on…

    The complexity of this demands intelligent management of the data streams

    Edge interconnection – the next generation interconnection

    DE-CIX is working on developing a solution based on consideration of this triangle. Software-defined Internet Exchanges may well be one of the solutions not only to serve these needs efficiently and fast, but also to enable fast and cost-efficient expansion of the interconnection industry with less dependency on hardware. SD will also both bring more dynamism and encourage greater productivity.

    IoT is the edge, AI is in the edge, and 5G serves the edge: The software-defined exchange provides the solution to the forthcoming digitalization challenge – namely, the ability to operate and manage the data streams of the future.

    – by Ivo A. Ivanov, CEO, DE-CIX International 

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