Join – PIT-IX

Your organization must have an AS number for BGP routing. Typically this is provided by ARIN if you are based in North America.
Your are required to have an Internet transit link from a ISP – this is because PIT-IX is not a connection to the entire Internet (a “default route”), but instead an interconnection between PIT-IX members.
You must connect to the exchange using only a BGP capable router, and register that router’s MAC address with the PIT-IX operations team so it may be allowed to connect.

Q: What connection types and speeds are available?

A: You can connect via single-mode fiber. Available speeds are 1GbE, 10GbE, 40GbE, 100GbE, and port-channel multiples of each. LACP is supported. You can also use separate routers on each connection you have to PIT-IX.

The exchange only connects with Single-Mode optics (other than a few exceptions). It’s highly appreciated if the connecting member can provide the optics. PIT-IX recommends optic and fiber supplies from FS.com. PIT-IX will typically connect to Arista Switches at core peering locations.

Q: Does PIT-IX offer route servers for BGP peering?

A: Yes! Although not mandatory, PIT-IX provides and highly recommends all members connect to the redundant route servers. This allows a simple configuration for all members to quickly connect to every open-peering member of the exchange.

PIT-IX’s route servers are highly secure and offer a safe method of peering with exchange members. Member route announcements are checked and filtered by the route servers to be valid, legitimate, and block unexpected route leaks.

Q: Can PIT-IX assist me on getting my network connected?

A: Yes! Wether you’re looking for insight on how to get physical connectivity to the exchange, or if you’re needing assistance on configuring your network and routers to peer, PIT-IX can assist.

Q: Which other IX(s) does PIT-IX model it's operations after?

A: PIT-IX operates similarly to the Seattle Internet Exchange (SIX). Chris Caputo of SIX contributed directly to assisting us on initial planning and setup of PIT-IX.

Additionally we use IXP-Manager which is a project of INEX of Ireland. IXP Manager handles all the back-end operations of managing ports, configurations, and members and their users.

Connecting to PIT-IX

The joining member will be responsible for getting a connection and cross-connect to PIT-IX or should speak with PIT-IX about all-inclusive assistance. Data centers that house PIT-IX peering points are also willing to assist in connecting members.

Service Locations

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the requirements of joining PIT-IX?

A: Pittsburgh Internet Exchange is very open to members. Any organization that wishes to join will not be denied. That said, there are some technical requirements that the organization must meet to be about to function on the exchange.

Your organization must have an AS number for BGP routing. Typically this is provided by ARIN if you are based in North America.

Your are required to have an Internet transit link from a ISP – this is because PIT-IX is not a connection to the entire Internet (a “default route”), but instead an interconnection between PIT-IX members.

You must connect to the exchange using only a BGP capable router, and register that router’s MAC address with the PIT-IX operations team so it may be allowed to connect.

Q: What connection types and speeds are available?

A: You can connect via single-mode fiber. Available speeds are 1GbE, 10GbE, 40GbE, 100GbE, and port-channel multiples of each. LACP is supported. You can also use separate routers on each connection you have to PIT-IX.

The exchange only connects with Single-Mode optics (other than a few exceptions). It’s highly appreciated if the connecting member can provide the optics. PIT-IX recommends optic and fiber supplies from FS.com. PIT-IX will typically connect to Arista Switches at core peering locations.

Q: Does PIT-IX offer route servers for BGP peering?

A: Yes! Although not mandatory, PIT-IX provides and highly recommends all members connect to the redundant route servers. This allows a simple configuration for all members to quickly connect to every open-peering member of the exchange.

PIT-IX’s route servers are highly secure and offer a safe method of peering with exchange members. Member route announcements are checked and filtered by the route servers to be valid, legitimate, and block unexpected route leaks.

Q: Can PIT-IX assist me on getting my network connected?

A: Yes! Wether you’re looking for insight on how to get physical connectivity to the exchange, or if you’re needing assistance on configuring your network and routers to peer, PIT-IX can assist.

Q: Which other IX(s) does PIT-IX model it's operations after?

A: PIT-IX operates similarly to the Seattle Internet Exchange (SIX). Chris Caputo of SIX contributed directly to assisting us on initial planning and setup of PIT-IX.

Q: Which IX is your rival?

A: PhillyIX. Nice people, but they’re on the wrong side of the state… Go Pens.