The way America handles data is changing—and fast. A new independent study reveals a sweeping shift in how internet exchanges (IXs) are set up, with a staggering 80% now operating as data center and carrier neutral. This transformation, led by surging demand for AI, cloud services, and IoT applications, is reshaping the country’s digital landscape.
This game-changing report, commissioned by DE-CIX, a global Internet Exchange leader, highlights how US internet infrastructure is keeping up with the explosive growth of data-heavy applications. With a boom in generative AI and cloud-based systems, the study notes a massive 600% spike in IX deployment over the past decade, with neutral exchanges leading the way. These independent IXs, which aren’t tied to any one data center or carrier, are connecting more networks and boosting performance. In fact, neutral platforms typically connect four times more data centers than their traditional counterparts.
According to the study, these neutral IXs are reshaping the game. By offering businesses more choice, they create a dense web of connections that reduces latency and enhances resilience. More connections mean more access points, and that means faster, more reliable data movement—exactly what the tech giants need to power next-gen apps like real-time gaming, streaming, and artificial intelligence.
“The value of the neutral model is clear,” said Ivo Ivanov, CEO of DE-CIX. “The US is proving that this approach can drive digital growth, especially as demand for faster, more reliable connections continues to rise.”
The data backs him up. The report shows that of the top 50 IXs in the US, 70% are already neutral, and the number keeps growing. These exchanges, built to connect multiple independent data centers across metro areas, are offering businesses a significant edge by providing more routes to high-speed connectivity and lowering the risk of downtime.
New York City, in particular, stands out. The city has emerged as a hub for neutral IXs, with two major neutral platforms operating alongside traditional exchanges. With an average of 134 networks per IX, New York’s interconnection ecosystem is twice as dense as the national average, driving demand for data center space even in areas outside the city center.
The study doesn’t just spotlight big cities, though. It notes a rising trend in secondary and tertiary markets—places like Dallas, Phoenix, and even smaller cities like Columbus and Reno. With tax incentives and cheaper operating costs, these locations are quickly becoming the next frontier for data center expansion. And with neutral IXs leading the charge, businesses in these regions are gaining access to the same high-performance connections as those in New York or LA.
As more companies look for flexible, low-latency solutions, the push for neutral IXs is expected to grow even stronger. By eliminating vendor lock-in and supporting diverse, resilient connections, these platforms are laying the groundwork for the future of digital ecosystems in America.
“Neutral IXs are critical for building digital ecosystems,” said Serge Radovcic from Dstream Group, the co-author of the study. “They allow for greater operator diversity and more resilient connectivity, making them an essential part of the modern digital infrastructure.”
With plans for over 12,600 MW of new data center capacity in the works across the country, the future looks bright. As edge computing, AI, and IoT technologies continue to evolve, the demand for neutral, resilient interconnection will only grow.
And for DE-CIX, which operates the largest neutral interconnection ecosystem in North America, this is just the beginning. With a presence in New York, Dallas, Chicago, and beyond, the company is at the forefront of this massive shift, providing the digital infrastructure that’s powering America’s tech future.
As the digital world moves closer to the edge, it’s clear: neutrality is the way forward.