Data Centre Rush Behind DE-CIX's 25 Tbit/s Throughput Record
DE-CIX sets a new benchmark in data exchange.
The operator, known for managing the world’s largest Internet Exchange (IX) infrastructure, now reaches a peak throughput of 25 terabits per second (Tbit/s) across its global platforms.
This event, clocked on 8 April at 15:10 Eastern (19:10 UTC), signals not only a rise in online activity but a defining moment for global data centres, telecom networks and the technology interlacing them.
The surge in peering volume – a term that refers to the exchange of data between networks – has increased by 130% since 2020.
This dramatic uptick underscores a growing reliance on data centre capacity and digital infrastructure worldwide.
DE-CIX attributes the scale of this increase to broader and more simultaneous traffic flows across multiple geographies, contrasting with the more isolated peaks of earlier years.
Multiple data centres, one global surge
Data centre activity in Frankfurt, Dallas, Madrid and Istanbul was central to the 25 Tbit/s milestone.
These locations, known for their dense network interconnection ecosystems, are integral to DE-CIX’s international operations.
Unlike previous throughput records, which were often tied to single events or regional spikes, this data load was more evenly distributed.
A combination of live sports streaming, widespread software updates and regular digital consumption contributed to the heightened demand across regions.
Dr Thomas King, Chief Technology Officer at DE-CIX, confirms this multifactorial cause: “The peak last night is the result of higher than usual data traffic from the confluence of multiple events, including the live streaming of sport and software updates, alongside the usual consumption of digital content and services."
He continues: “This peak demonstrates the power of peering, the glue that binds together the different networks – including networks that supply video content, software downloads and mobile Internet – that make up the Internet.”
The variety of use cases involved reflects the growing dependence on interconnected digital services, routed through the data centre networks that support everything from content delivery to cloud services.
Interconnection at the heart of global infrastructure
DE-CIX’s operational scope covers over 60 IX locations globally, interlinking more than 4,000 networks.
These include carriers, Internet service providers, enterprise customers and cloud providers spread across more than 100 countries.
The flagship site, DE-CIX Frankfurt, exemplifies the scale of this network.
Hosting nearly 1,100 connected networks, it processes over 45 exabytes of data each year.
To put this into context, 68 exabytes of data have already moved through DE-CIX exchanges in 2024 alone. This figure is a measure of the volume of data managed by data centres and exchanged between telco operators and service providers.
Interconnection here does not simply refer to connectivity but to the neutral, high-performance infrastructure that allows disparate networks to exchange traffic efficiently and securely.
It is this infrastructure that enables a data centre in Madrid to communicate seamlessly with a service provider in New York or a cloud platform in Singapore.
30 Years of telco backbone development
DE-CIX’s role in telco and technology evolution extends back to 1995 when it launched its first IX in Frankfurt.
Now in its 30th year, the operator continues to shape the digital infrastructure sector.
It has contributed to global technical standards through its work with the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) and remains a key figure in enabling cloud adoption and digital transformation.
This includes supporting the exchange of traffic for everything from mobile Internet services to enterprise software platforms.
With nearly 250 staff from over 35 countries, DE-CIX maintains a diverse and globally-focused workforce. This diversity reflects the company’s expansive footprint and the varied needs of its customer base across regions and industries.
Beyond raw bandwidth, DE-CIX platforms offer services tailored to enterprise users.
These include direct cloud interconnects, secure data exchange options and low-latency environments. These solutions are especially relevant as more businesses look for ways to reduce latency and improve performance in cross-border communications and hybrid cloud environments.
As digital demand continues to expand, so too does the need for robust telco and data centre infrastructure.
DE-CIX’s latest performance record is not only a technical milestone, but a marker of the shifting patterns in global digital consumption and the growing importance of scalable, neutral interconnection.
Explore the latest edition of Data Centre Magazine and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Tech & AI LIVE.
Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today.
Data Centre Magazine is a BizClik brand