Virtual Peering Series – Africa #11: Fear to peer – Post pandemic, what is the future of handshake peering?

3 August 2021
13:00 – 15:00 UTC

The focus of this session was on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the organisation of peering forums around the world. We would like to understand how activities such as peering bilaterals and socials, which are usually heavily in-person dependent, will evolve and whether hybrid (in-person and virtual) events would become the new norm.

This session elaborated on the innovative ways peering forums are currently exploring to keep their respective communities engaged.

Finally, with little to almost zero face-to-face outreach events, the community building and development activities, around peering, need to be re-invented. The session discussed the impact of the pandemic on the human network and how this is affecting the operational aspects of peering.

Objectives of the Webinar

  • To understand the impact of the pandemic on the peering practices, e.g. face-to-face handshakes? 
  • What has changed during this last year in terms of peering practices?
  • What has been the impact on the IXP businesses around the world?
  • What has been the impact of the pandemic on the human network?

Target Audience

  • Network operators
  • Peering event organisers
  • Network operators’ groups (NOGs)

Moderators

Amreesh Phokeer

Internet Measurement and Data Expert, Internet Society

Kyle Spencer

Executive Director, Uganda Internet eXchange Point (UIXP) and Co-Coordinator, African IXP Association (Af-IX)

Speakers

Rebecca Class-Peter

Events and Operations Coordinator, Euro-IX

Ester Paál

Accounts and Communication Manager, NIX.CZ

Yolandi Robinson

Peering & Interconnect Specialist, NAPAfrica

Nico Tshintu

Operation Manager, ISPA-DRC and KINIX

Simultaneous Interpretation Services Series Sponsor

Series Sponsors

Virtual Peering Series – Africa Organizers