PeeringDB
PeeringDB is a freely available, user-maintained, database of networks, and the go-to location for interconnection data. The database facilitates the global interconnection of networks at Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), data centers, and other interconnection facilities, and is the first stop in making interconnection decisions.
| Original author(s) | Richard Steenbergen (Original) & PeeringDB Volunteers |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | PeeringDB |
| Initial release | July 29, 2010 |
| Stable release | 2.54.2
/ January 31, 2024 |
| Repository | www |
| Written in | Python |
| Operating system | Cloud |
| Platform | Cross-platform |
| Available in | English and 16 translations |
| License | Code is published under a BSD 2-clause license |
| Website | www |
Almost one third of the critical default-free zone ASNs at least partially register their interconnection options in the database. The database shows the colocation facilities in which networks have a presence and the IXPs they peer at.
While, like Wikipedia, PeeringDB's database contains user contributed data, networks can give permission for exchanges using the IX-F Member Exchange Format to submit technical information about their presence at an exchange. This can then be used as a source of configuration data.
Traditionally a list of potential peering partners would have been maintained by the host Internet exchange point or colocation centre, but these lists lacked important information such as peering policies and were difficult to keep up-to-date. Being a distributed database, it was also necessary for peers to consult multiple lists in order to establish peering relationships. PeeringDB has become the "first stop when deciding where and whom to peer with".
PeeringDB's software was originally written by Richard Steenbergen in 2004. A non-profit organization was incorporated in 2015 to operate the PeeringDB service. It has four volunteer committees that design, maintain, and promote the service. They are:
- Admin Committee - which is responsible for day-to-day end-user support
- Operations Committee - which oversees the technical infrastructure
- Outreach Committee - which oversees engagement with users and other stakeholders
- Product Committee - which oversees the design and development of product features
PeeringDB's software is open source and volunteers can contribute code. Users are welcome to request features and report bugs by opening an issue on GitHub. They can also engage in discussion using PeeringDB's mailing lists.