Nokia Partners with INX-ZA to Revolutionize Internet Access

Nokia Partners with INX-ZA for Enhanced Internet Connectivity
Nokia is collaborating with INX-ZA, the Internet Exchange Point division of the Internet Service Provider Association, to transform and future-proof the internet infrastructure in South Africa. This initiative promises to enhance access to high-capacity and high-availability internet exchange services, significantly benefiting end users across the nation.
Unlocking Next-Level Internet Service
With the deployment of Nokia’s innovative high-performance IP routing portfolio, INX-ZA is set to introduce new 400GE services along with expanded 100GE options. This modernization will enable businesses and internet users in South Africa to experience faster, more resilient, and future-ready internet connectivity.
The Importance of Modern Internet Exchanges
Internet exchanges serve as critical components of the digital ecosystem, allowing data to be exchanged locally and reducing the dependence on costly international bandwidth. Until now, many Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) across Africa have operated on outdated platforms. With this upgrade, INX-ZA is addressing these challenges head-on, paving the way for a more scalable, energy-efficient, and robust infrastructure that aligns with the region’s growing digital needs.
Expanding Infrastructure for Better Performance
Nokia’s partnership will lead to a significant upgrade of INX-ZA’s Internet Exchange Points in several cities, including Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. The project kicks off in Johannesburg, where JINX—Africa’s oldest Internet Exchange Point—has maintained its excellent track record of 100% uptime since its inception. By the end of the year, the number of data centers at JINX will grow from seven to ten. This expansion will include the installation of thirty performance-driven platforms during the first phase, ensuring that the industry-leading availability is both preserved and enhanced.
Enabling a New Era of Connectivity
The initiative, powered by Nokia’s advanced 7250 Interconnect Routers and Service Router Operating System, will allow INX-ZA to offer significantly enhanced peering opportunities with 400GE links to Internet service providers and peering partners. This capability, previously not available in the area, marks a transformative step in connecting different points of presence (POPs) across the country.
Transforming Legacy Systems
This upgrade sets a precedent for similar transformations across other older exchange points throughout the continent. It is a substantial move towards establishing a more efficient, flexible, and high-performance network infrastructure for South African ISPs, cloud providers, and businesses alike.
Quotes from Leadership
“Upgrading to Nokia’s 400GE-ready infrastructure isn’t just about capacity; it’s about reshaping connectivity in South Africa,” said Nishal Goburdhan, General Manager of INX-ZA. “This platform will empower us to deliver faster, more reliable interconnection services, aligning with the expectations of our community for uptime and quality.”
Nokia’s leadership echoed this sentiment. Toni Pellegrino, Head of South and East Africa Sales Unit for Network Infrastructure at Nokia, stated, “As content consumption increases and businesses transition to the cloud, Internet Exchanges become indispensable. Collaborating with INX-ZA exemplifies our commitment to building resilient and environmentally sustainable infrastructure.”
About Nokia
Nokia is recognized as a leading B2B technology innovator, committed to creating technologies that encourage collaboration and growth. The company leverages its expertise in mobile, fixed, and cloud networks to establish networks that are perceptive, intelligent, and proactive. This covers everything from research at the acclaimed Nokia Bell Labs to developing architectures that fit seamlessly into varied ecosystems.
About INX-ZA
INX-ZA is the Internet Exchange Point sector of the Internet Service Providers Association and operates the longest-running community-run Internet exchange points in Africa since 1996. Focused on technical excellence and community development, it is instrumental in fortifying South Africa's Internet infrastructure and fostering a more resilient digital ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the partnership between Nokia and INX-ZA entail?
The collaboration focuses on modernizing INX-ZA’s internet exchange infrastructure using Nokia's advanced routing technology, enabling higher capacity and enhanced reliability.
How will this impact internet users in South Africa?
This initiative promises faster and more resilient internet connectivity, which benefits both individual users and businesses across the country.
What are 400GE and 100GE services?
400GE and 100GE refer to high-capacity data transmission standards that facilitate fast internet connectivity, crucial for accommodating the growing data demands of users.
Why are Internet Exchanges important?
They enable local data exchanges, reducing dependency on international bandwidth and lowering costs while improving overall network efficiency.
How does this change the landscape for ISPs in South Africa?
This upgrade provides ISPs with better access to high-performance networking, enhancing their service offerings and operational capabilities in the digital space.
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