Not-for-profit internet exchange point (IXP) IXLeeds has upgraded infrastructure using the Linux-based network operating system from Cumulus Networks and network switches by the Taiwanese vendor Quanta.

The IXP, based in Leeds, UK, was launched in September 2010 to allow public peering in the north of England with the aim of helping businesses increase their network resilience and reduce overall traffic backhaul costs towards London.

New solutions were discussed late last year when IXLeeds’ existing Brocade BigIron RX-8 system could no longer meet requirements, the company said.

Other issues, including a lack of support and automation tools and high levels of power consumption, were also behind the decision to upgrade.

The upgraded solution includes 1G Quanta and 10G Edge-Core Ethernet switches both of which are provided by UK-based IT consultancy R-Com and specialist storage distributor Hammer.

IXLeeds expects the latest Linux applications and automation tools to improve the network’s agility, scalability and flexibility.