Gigabit point of presence
(also GigaPOP, Gigabit PoP)
Gigabit point of presence definition
A gigabit point of presence (also known as “gigabit PoP” or simply “GigaPOP”) is a high-speed access point, typically used by internet service providers to connect their networks. True to their name, GigaPOPs frequently sport data transfer speeds of at least 1 gigabit per second.
Gigabit points of presence are frequently discussed in the context of Internet2, the not-for-profit consortium of academic, industry, and government institutions. GigaPOPs are the primary way to access the Internet2 network. The technology was originally developed for research institutions to facilitate scientific development through high-speed data transfers.
See also: point of presence (POP), isp, virtual switch
How gigabit points of presence work
GigaPOPs are critical networking infrastructure components in modern telecommunications. They act as hubs for data, connecting other points of presence and data centers to form a robust network ecosystem. GigaPOPs must be placed at strategic network locations to optimize data transfer and reduce latency.
In addition to facilitating high-speed data transfer, an individual GigaPOP may offer services such as colocation facilities, allowing multiple network operators to keep equipment in the same location to reduce friction. This practice helps reduce operator costs associated with maintaining separate network infrastructures.