Peering and Internet Exchanges

V6Direct operates as a community IPv6 transit and peering network (AS199746), with connectivity to IXPs and upstreams to provide low-latency paths across Europe.

Peering model

We use a pragmatic peering model aimed at communities, labs, and small networks that want fast, predictable IPv6 connectivity rather than complex commercial contracts.

• IPv6 transit and peering via tunnels (WireGuard, GRE, VxLAN/L2TPv3) from our PoPs.
• Peering at selected IXPs for short paths to other networks.
• No nonsense: transparent operation, clear policies, and a community-first approach.

Peering policy

In classic ISP terms, peering policies range from open to selective to restrictive.

How to peer with V6Direct

Networks can interconnect with V6Direct either at common IXPs or by using our tunnel-based services as a form of IPv6 transit.

1. Ensure you have an ASN and IPv6 prefixes you are authorized to announce.
2. Check for IXPs or facilities where both your network and V6Direct are present.
3. Contact our peering address (for example peering@v6direct.org) with your ASN, NOC contacts, and locations.
4. Agree on peering method: route server at an IXP (multilateral), or bilateral BGP session.
5. Exchange technical details (MAC/port, IPv6 peering IPs, MD5 if used, max-prefix, etc.).

IXP peering basics

At Internet Exchange Points, you can peer either bilaterally with individual networks or via the route server for multilateral peering.

• Bilateral peering: direct BGP sessions with selected networks, more control but more sessions to manage.
• Multilateral (route server): one BGP session to the IXP route server gives you routes from many participants at once.
• Most IXPs allow using both options in parallel, depending on your needs.

Example peering checklist

When setting up a new peering session with V6Direct or another network, use a simple checklist to avoid surprises.

• ASNs for both parties, NOC and peering contacts.
• Location(s) and IXPs where the session will be established.
• IPv6 peering addresses and interface/port identifiers.
• BGP parameters: MD5 password (if any), max-prefix limits, communities.
• Routing policy: which prefixes are exported/imported, no-transit behavior on IXP fabrics.

Using V6Direct as IPv6 transit

Beyond peering, you can also use V6Direct as an IPv6 transit provider via tunnels, receiving full IPv6 tables with sane defaults and graceful shutdown behavior.

Combine a tunnel from our nearest PoP with BGP on your router (e.g. BIRD or Pathvector) to build a stable IPv6 edge for your network.