Auckland Peering Exchange, Internet exchange point in Auckland, New Zealand

The Auckland Peering Exchange is an interconnection point where internet service providers exchange traffic directly using CityLink's metropolitan network and Ethernet-based connections. Operators can access multiple data centers across the city and select connection speeds according to their needs.

The Auckland Peering Exchange grew out of discussions on the NZNOG mailing list. The Sky Tower was chosen as the meeting point because it already served as a telehousing facility, offered a high point for wireless access, and was neutral ground. Initially, participant equipment and CityLink switches were mainly located on the tower's 48th floor, an air-conditioned deck enclosed with low-attenuation glass that allowed point-to-point radio shots without weatherproofing or resource consent for external antennas. CityLink later extended APE's layer-2 LAN outside the Sky Tower, enabling connections at multiple Auckland CBD locations without a circuit into the tower.

This exchange represents New Zealand's commitment to local digital infrastructure by allowing network operators to manage internet traffic directly within the region. The community-based approach has become essential for supporting the country's online services and connectivity needs.

Network operators can connect their equipment across multiple data centers and choose from different connection speeds based on their requirements. Availability and specific conditions should be verified directly with the operators, as offerings may change over time.

The system operates with two route servers that maintain routing information for all participants and prevent traffic from unnecessarily leaving the city. This technical setup allows the network to operate more independently and use local resources more efficiently.