About SOX
Singapore Open eXchange (SOX) is a public/neutral Internet eXchange Point (IXP) operated by National University of Singapore (NUS). SOX differs from other IXPs in Singapore as it operates at OSI layer 2 and does not provide any transit traffic.
Motivations behind SOX
Improve Routing Efficiency
Efficient routing will minimize network hops hence enhancing usage and encourage the growth of IP networks in Singapore.
Localize Local Traffic
Singapore traffic has been known to be routed overseas and back before reaching its destination. Peering locally over an IXP helps to ensure that local traffic stays local.
Collective Effort
The exchange efficiently make use of local traffic hence benefitting industries and its users as a whole.
Lower Costs
IXPs allows network providers to establish bi-lateral or multi-lateral peering agreements to facilitate free-flow of traffic between peers at IXPs. This translates to cost saving for network providers as international and local traffic can now be separated.
Landing Point for Foreign IP Networks
The lack of a Layer 2 exchange point is seen as a negative factor for foreign IP networks considering operating in Singapore. This exchange encourages foreign network participations.
Be Neutral
To attract good networks to an exchange point depends much on the neutrality of the exchange. SOX will be a neutral exchange, not owned or affiliated with any commercial service providers.
