DE-CIX pioneers AI-ready internet exchange

DE-CIX, the leading global Internet Exchange operator, has now integrated Phase 1 of its AI Internet Exchange (AI-IX) to optimise AI inference efficiency. As of now, over 50 AI-specific networks, comprising AI Inference as a Service and GPU as a Service providers, are connected to DE-CIX, ensuring high-performance, low-latency, and secure AI-powered operations around the world. This evolution is not only seen at Europe’s largest Internet Exchange in Frankfurt but also across all DE-CIX venues globally.

Looking ahead, DE-CIX is preparing for Phase 2, which will equip its AI Exchanges with Ultra-Ethernet capabilities. This innovation supports geographically distributed AI training, marking a shift from traditional centralised facilities. The ongoing rollout across multiple regions will make DE-CIX the first to provide a comprehensive AI-IX for both training and inference tasks.

The essence of DE-CIX's service lies in multi-agent AI inference, enabling seamless operations for both present-day complex mechanisms and future innovations. AI processes are divided into two primary phases: training and inference. Both benefit remarkably from AI peering, ushering in cost efficiencies, enhanced security, superior performance, and a simplified infrastructure.

AI inference applies AI agents to real-world scenarios, demanding robust, speedy, and secure connectivity. Enterprises eager to maximise AI benefits must focus on the 'Digital Triangle of AI Inference Interconnection,' which consists of millions of emerging multimodal agents, AI-driven devices or applications, and cutting-edge transmission technologies.

The upcoming highlight in DE-CIX's plans involves utilising Ultra Ethernet. "It spearheads the disaggregated computing trend," describes Dr. Thomas King, CTO at DE-CIX. This trend supports decentralised AI model training, promising a reshaped AI training infrastructure. As Ultra Ethernet becomes mainstream, it will significantly reduce costs compared to the conventional InfiniBand protocol, paving the way for alternative, resilient, and cost-effective AI private infrastructure designs. DE-CIX is primed to support this new standard with existing hardware, awaiting the complete rollout from network hardware manufacturers.

Founded in 1995, DE-CIX has been a cornerstone of digital infrastructure. Operating in 60 cities globally, its innovation persists at the forefront of interconnection technology. Today, DE-CIX interlinks over 4000 operators from more than 100 countries via data centres in over 600 cities. The Frankfurt IX is a beacon of connectivity, managing nearly 1,100 networks with an annual data volume nearing 45 exabytes by 2024, situating it amongst the largest exchanges globally.