An expert on IXP switching fabric. A talk with Gianmarco Clerici, MIX Network & Security Manager
Striving for service excellence is a mission at MIX, but what goes on in the background positioning MIX as the leading Italian interconnection platform is a state-of-the-art switching fabric with a focus on performance and security.
Gianmarco has engineered a bespoke system capable of handling the interconnection demands of Italian and international network operators on the MIX interconnection platform.
A crucial part of the customer journey, he is responsible for connecting all MIX customers to the interconnection platform. Once onboard, every MIX customer interacts with Gianmarco, his long-standing commitment to MIX has exposed him to all aspects of technical operations making him an expert in the IXP market.
Gianmarco highlights, “The greatest demand on MIX these days is driven by gaming and live streaming content in particular sporting events such as football. The quality of live content with the lowest latency and highest performance is a key service element. This fits well with the focus MIX has on providing performance, security and value to its customers.”
Gianmarco comes into his element when confronted with the challenge of solving technical issues that may arise. The pressure can be high but he finds satisfaction in approaching the issue, reverse engineering and identifying the root cause of the problem, a skill that contributes to a service uptime of absolute excellence for the MIX peering fabric.
He led the initiative that resulted in ISO/IEC 27001 and OPEN-IX OIX-1certification for MIX, a rather unique achievement for a European IXP operator.
MIX carries out an extensive evaluation before MIX deploys any new hardware in its infrastructure. MIX has recently undergone a change of vendor for its interconnection switching fabric, a large undertaking when striving for a zero-disruption rate of service in deploying new technology.
“As Italy’s leading IXP its vital to monitor technical developments to ensure the deployment of state-of-the-art technology. Latency, performance, security, power consumption, and maintenance times are all critical factors of any infrastructure upgrade at MIX,” said Gianmarco.
What are the challenges ahead for leading IXPs? Network operators demand network agility, with direct connections to partners and providers on demand, fast and in an easy and secure manner.
“It’s all about maintaining a high level of service, managing larger volumes of traffic and port technology with a future proof switching fabric and providing services that add value for MIX customers. Stability and a smooth transition to any new technologies is crucial in this business,” he added.
Any new or existing MIX customers interested to know more about the MIX interconnection switching fabric are welcome to contact Gianmarco
