BIGLOBE, a Japanese Internet service provider, has connected to the DE-CIX Frankfurt internet exchange using remote peering, enabling improved network performance between Japan and Europe without establishing a physical presence in Germany.

Through the GlobePEER Remote service, BIGLOBE’s new connection is routed from its Tokyo access point, allowing it to optimise data flows between Japanese users and European networks. This development is expected to improve latency and reliability for traffic destined for European destinations, including streaming and cloud-based applications for both consumers and business users in Japan.

Enhanced data exchange

DE-CIX Frankfurt is one of the world’s largest internet exchanges, with close to 1100 connected networks and handling around 45 exabytes of annual data volume as of 2024. BIGLOBE’s use of remote peering connects its network directly to European “eyeball” networks, meaning those providing internet access to end users, which is designed to shorten the path for data and further reduce transit costs.

Frank P. Orlowski, Executive Vice President Corporate Development at DE-CIX, emphasised the flexibility that remote peering offers.

“Remote peering enables ISPs across the globe to connect to DE-CIX Internet Exchanges independent of their physical location. This allows for more efficient control of data flows, reduced latency, and significantly improved network stability.”

The connection does not require BIGLOBE to invest in new physical infrastructure in Frankfurt. According to DE-CIX, GlobePEER Remote permits customers at any DE-CIX site, including Tokyo, to access internet exchanges across the global DE-CIX network, which includes locations such as Singapore, New York, Madrid, and Dubai.

Direct connection benefits

Yuichi Minami, Executive Officer/CNO at BIGLOBE, highlighted the intended improvements to BIGLOBE’s network resulting from this upgrade.

“By directly connecting to European eyeball and content networks, we shorten data paths and improve service quality – especially for streaming and cloud-based applications. At the same time, we reduce costs and boost the resilience of our network.”

This new connection forms part of BIGLOBE’s ongoing international expansion strategy. The company, which provides internet access and network services to both private and business customers, has its headquarters in Tokyo. DE-CIX, marking its 30th year of operation in 2025, now has a presence available from data centres in over 600 cities around the world, supporting a diverse ecosystem of network and content providers.

Expanding interconnection options

DE-CIX, established in 1995 and headquartered in Frankfurt, operates interconnection services across 60 locations worldwide, serving thousands of customers from more than 100 countries. Its internet exchanges connect a range of clients, from carriers and ISPs to content platforms and enterprise networks. DE-CIX Frankfurt, in particular, plays a critical role in facilitating global data exchange, both in terms of capacity and the variety of connected networks.

The remote peering arrangement exemplifies a trend in the telecommunications industry, as service providers increasingly leverage established international infrastructure for improved efficiency without the high costs associated with deploying local hardware abroad. BIGLOBE, classified as a Tier 2 ISP, now joins a wide range of organisations benefitting from the flexible interconnection solutions offered by major internet exchanges such as DE-CIX.

This development supports the resilience and performance of Japanese networks in routing traffic between Asia and Europe, reflecting ongoing efforts to keep pace with growing usage of cloud services, online content, and data sharing among enterprises and end users alike.