According to Israel Internet Association, the volume of traffic served by local ISPs during the World Cup recorded a 33% increase in the past month
The World Cup games are breaking the records of Kan 11 on television – while also breaking records in the volume of internet traffic in Israel. Data collected in the past month from the Israeli Internet eXchange (IIX), managed by Israel Internet Association, reveals a significant increase in traffic served by Israeli Service Providers – from a peak level of 60Gbps to 80Gbps since the World Cup games began. Data also shows that games broadcasted at 6 PM generate a significant hike in traffic until around midnight – when the late game of the night ends.
According to Yoram Hacohen, CEO of ISOC-IL, “The increased network traffic in Israel is due to the fact that many people watch the games online – either on the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation website, via the Kan app or on television, through content providers operating over the internet, such as Cellcom TV and Partner TV.”
The media landscape in Israel has seen major shifts in recent years: New content players broadcasting over the internet and a rising number of online broadcasts, faster speeds available via existing technologies (such as ADSL and cables), and the introduction of new infrastructures, such as FTTH (fiber-to-the-home). That, coupled with the increased use of VOD and streaming services, as well as new, smart end-user devices supporting HD viewing, and the month of World Cup broadcasts, have led to ISOC-IL’s recent decision to upgrade the infrastructure of the Israeli Internet eXchange.
The upgraded platform allows Israeli ISP’s to connect to the IIX at a maximum speed of 100Gbps, compared to 10Gbps in the previous version, while the connection price has been reduced. The upgrade was designed to enable all internet access providers in Israel to connect at fast speeds, accommodating consumers’ growing demand for high-quality video content and a smooth viewing experience.
Several ISP’s upgraded their connectivity to IIX, significantly expanding the volume of traffic at the IIX – 80Gbps compared to 16Gbps before the upgrade. ISP’s in Israel have also made substantial investments in infrastructure improvements and upgrades, delivering better experience to subscribers and customers. According to Hacohen, the result of these upgrades is now evident in the spike in traffic and the transfer of more content over the internet thanks to its accessibility and reliability.
The Israeli Internet eXchange is essentially a network switch/router that connects the majority of Internet Service Providers in Israel. It enables Israeli internet users to quickly, reliably, and inexpensively access local content without having to go through foreign servers and infrastructures.
“The fact that the vast majority of ISPs in Israel are connected to the IIX also ensures greater cybersecurity, since the Exchange is not accessible outside the national network,” said Hacohen.