Size of the Internet

The Internet, often described as the largest machine on the planet, continues to grow at a rapid pace. One way to measure this growth is through internet traffic, which recently hit a new record. Global data through Internet Exchange operator DE-CIX reached an impressive 25Tbit/s on a Tuesday afternoon, showcasing the increasing demand for online connectivity.

This surge in traffic represents a significant milestone, with global peering traffic at DE-CIX more than doubling since 2020, marking a 130% increase in just five years. The previous year witnessed a traffic peak at the Dallas site, where the region surpassed the 1 Tbit/s threshold for the first time, highlighting the continuous expansion of digital communication.

Unlike previous peaks that were localized to specific regions, this recent global traffic peak was distributed across various locations, including Dallas, Madrid, Frankfurt, and Istanbul. This widespread increase in internet activity underscores the interconnected nature of the digital world, with data flowing seamlessly across borders and continents.

As technology continues to advance, the internet is expected to see even greater growth in the coming years. Recent developments, such as the first data transmission over 1Pbit/s and projections that the industry will generate as much data as mobile by 2030, indicate a future where connectivity and data exchange play an even more central role in our lives.

Dr. Thomas King, CTO of DE-CIX, emphasized the significance of this traffic peak, attributing it to a combination of factors such as live sports streaming, software updates, and the ongoing consumption of digital content and services. He highlighted the importance of peering in facilitating this data exchange, describing it as the essential element that connects various networks and services within the internet ecosystem.

Another notable metric for measuring internet growth is the volume of data being carried. In 2024, DE-CIX recorded a total throughput of 68 exabytes across 3,400 connected networks at its sites, setting a new record for global data traffic volume within a 12-month period. This data underscores the increasing demand for online connectivity and the critical role that internet exchanges play in facilitating this exchange of information.

Established in 1995, DE-CIX has been at the forefront of internet exchange services for over three decades. With its first Internet Exchange launched in Frankfurt, the company has expanded its reach globally, providing data center and carrier-neutral exchange points for internet, cloud, content providers, and enterprise networks. Today, the DE-CIX platform interconnects over 4,000 networks worldwide, offering a seamless and efficient infrastructure for global data exchange.