CASP+ Definitions: Peering
Peering is the process of interconnecting two networks at an Internet Exchange Point (IXP) or directly, without the need for an intermediary network service provider. This allows the two networks to exchange traffic directly with each other, rather than having to route traffic through multiple providers, which can be expensive and slow. Peering can be used to improve the performance and reduce the cost of network connections between organizations, and is commonly used by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and content providers to exchange traffic with each other. From a cybersecurity perspective, peering can introduce new risks, such as the possibility of unauthorized access to network resources, and requires careful management to ensure the security and integrity of data being exchanged.