It does seem easiest to start with an IX, where you can follow the published rules to join the IX and connection your network to it’s without bothering every other member.

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eqvinox 3 days ago | parent [-]

Note an IX does not give you default/full internet connectivity. You'll only be able to reach the other participants' and their affiliates' networks.

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db48x 3 days ago | parent | next [-]

True :)

But if you’ve only ever read about BGP and this is your first time putting it into practice, an exchange seems like the easier way to gain the practice. Most of them have simple rules that you can read in advance, and often your first port is free.

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greyface- 3 days ago | parent | prev [-]

Certainly not via route servers or typical bilateral peering configurations - but transit-over-exchange is a thing, if you can find an exchange participant willing to offer it to you.

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eqvinox 3 days ago | parent [-]

Yes, but the question is, is transit over exchange better/cheaper than buying a crossconnect? Worst case you've just introduced another dependency that costs money and adds complexity. If you're on an IXP, you're already somehow in a data centre anyway… that will have been the hard part in most cases…

	▲	greyface- 3 days ago \| parent [-]
		> question is, is transit over exchange better/cheaper Better? No, almost never. Cheaper? Sometimes, especially in DCs that charge ridiculous MRCs for cross-connects. For a small/personal ASN, it can be the right choice.