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Frequently Asked Questions​ / FAQ

A list designed to facilitate your understanding of our work and the onboarding process

What is LEB-IX?

LEBIX (Lebanon Internet Exchange) is a neutral, non-profit Internet Exchange Point (IXP) located in Beirut. It serves as a local meeting hub where internet service providers (ISPs), telecom carriers, content delivery networks (CDNs), and other organizations can connect directly to exchange domestic internet traffic. It is the modern evolution of the Beirut Internet Exchange (BIX), originally established in 2007 and officially relaunched as LEB-IX in 2025

By swapping data locally rather than routing it through international transit providers, networks experience several major benefits:
  • Lower Latency: Data travels a shorter distance, making online services load faster.
  • Cost Savings: Networks save money on expensive international bandwidth.
  • Improved Resilience: Local connectivity keeps domestic services reachable even if international links go down or become congested.

LEB-IX is managed as a neutral, non-profit, community-driven Internet Exchange Point governed by its Board and operational team in accordance with its By-Laws. Its governance model is designed to ensure transparency, equal access, and neutrality for all members and participants.

LEB-IX works in collaboration with Internet stakeholders in Lebanon, including network operators, technical experts, academic institutions, and public sector representatives, to support the development and resilience of the Lebanese Internet ecosystem.

The day-to-day technical operations and maintenance of the exchange are handled by a dedicated Network Operations Center (NOC) team, responsible for ensuring the stability, performance, and reliability of the infrastructure.

 

Who can join LEB-IX?
LEBIX welcomes a diverse range of eligible network operators, including ISPs, mobile operators, CDNs, academic and research networks (universities), government networks, and corporate enterprises.
To be eligible to join, an organization must generally have:
  • A legal entity
  • An active Autonomous System Number (ASN).
  • At least one public IP address prefix (IPv4 and/or IPv6) that you originate.
  • A router capable of BGP (Border Gateway Protocol).
  • Agreement to LEBIX’s terms of use, such as the Memorandum of Understanding and Peering Policy.

Currently, LEBIX does not charge for port usage. As a non-profit, any minimal fees in the future would only be levied with member consensus to cover operational costs. However, members are responsible for their own connection costs, such as paying for cross-connects within the data center or third-party telecom circuits to reach the facility.

Where is LEB-IX located?
The primary switching hardware is located at the Berytech Tech Hub Datacenter in Beirut, Lebanon. This carrier-neutral facility provides the necessary redundant power, cooling, and security.
No. While members inside the facility can connect via a simple dedicated cable (cross-connect), networks located elsewhere can establish “remote peering” by coordinating with a telecom provider to deliver a fiber link or circuit directly to the LEB-IX switch 

LEB-IX offers standard connection options of 1 Gbps and 10 Gbps Ethernet ports, with the capacity to arrange higher speeds (like 100 Gbps) if needed. The exchange is fully dual-stack, supporting both IPv4 and IPv6 peering.

No. Peering at LEBIX is strictly voluntary. LEB-IX provides the technical fabric, but members freely choose who they route traffic with. You can use the optional Route Servers to instantly exchange routes with all participating members via a single BGP session, or you can establish bilateral (one-to-one) BGP sessions directly with specific peers.

How do I apply to join?
  1. Submit an application: Fill out the online application form.
  2. Sign paperwork: Electronically sign the required service agreements/Memorandum of Understanding.
  3. Physical Setup: Order a cross-connect or telecom circuit to link your equipment to the LEB-IX rack.
  4. BGP Configuration: Configure your router with LEB-IX-assigned IPs and establish BGP sessions (via route servers or direct peers).
  5. Testing & Activation: LEB-IX staff will verify your connection for stability and routing loops before officially adding you to the live member list.
  1. You can visit our Contact Us page to obtain all our contact information. Also, for general inquiries or to start the application process, you can email info@lebix.org.lb. If you need technical assistance or troubleshooting during setup, you can reach out to support@lebix.org.lb

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LEBIX Master Service Agreement & General Terms and Conditions

1. Definitions

For the purpose of the Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meaning:

  • Agreement means these General Terms and Conditions and Master Service Agreement.
  • Application Form means the application form to be filled online by each member.
  • Authenticated access to the LEBIX website means an individual accessing the LEBIX website and providing a user identifier and password sufficient to verify their identity and their authority to represent a member of LEBIX.
  • Board means the elected or appointed representatives of the members of LEBIX who oversee the affairs of LEBIX and can represent and speak on behalf of LEBIX on all matters pertaining to this Agreement. It is also known as the Council or the Board. The Council and its powers are defined and set out in Article 8 of the LEBIX Internal regulation.
  • Communication or primary means of communication means e-mail considered as the official written mean of communication between LEBIX and the members.
  • Connection means the physical connection of a router (directly or via a third party network) to the LEBIX infrastructure.
  • Colocation means any data centre premise where LEBIX services are located.
  • Corporate Representative means the person appointed by the member organization as its representative at LEBIX, provided that such corporate representative shall be appointed by the Chief Operating Officer (CEO) or the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of the member organization.
  • Fees mean the fees payable for LEBIX services.
  • General Meeting means General Meeting as defined in the LEBIX Articles of Association.
  • Joining Procedure means the practical steps involved in the process of becoming a LEBIX member set out in Articles of Association.
  • LEBIX means Lebanon Internet Exchange Point constituted as a Not-for-profit Organisation, registered in Lebanon, by virtue of the Ministry of Interior’s acknowledgment of receipt number 42 dated the 1st of January 2029 and as noted in the Articles of Association.
  • The (LEBIX) Member means any entity admitted to membership of LEBIX pursuant to Article 6 of LEBIX Articles of Association.
  • LEBIX Articles of Association and Internal Regulation means the incorporation documents of LEBIX, i.e. Articles of Association and Internal Regulation for LEBIX.
  • LEBIX Peering LAN means a layer 2 ethernet network allowing the exchange of traffic between LEBIX members.
  • Member interface means the physical or logical port (VLAN), which connects a member to the LEBIX network.
  • Party means either LEBIX or Member, as the case may be.
  • Parties means LEBIX and the Member collectively.
  • Regional Internet Registries means the bodies appointed by the Internet Assigned Names and Numbers Authority (ICANN) to be responsible for the allocation of Internet Number Resources in a specific geographic region to their members.
  • Services mean the services LEBIX provides for LEBIX members.

2. Scope and applicability

These General Terms and Conditions shall apply to all offers, agreements, or other legal relationships pursuant to which LEBIX is providing, or offering to provide, the LEBIX Peering Lan and related Services to the Member.

3. Membership Admission

  1. Membership process and conditions are defined in Article 6 of LEBIX Article of Association.
  2. The Member must be a recognized legal entity or incorporated association.
  3. The Member must have a registered Autonomous System Number (ASN), assigned by one of the Regional Internet Registries (or their predecessors).
  4. The Member must use BGP for peering and must adhere to the LEBIX Technical Requirements.
  5. Member shall designate a Corporate Representative.

4. Term and Termination

  1. This Agreement shall take effect on the date of commencement of the effective services, after the completion of the trial period and shall continue to be in force unless terminated with 1 month written notice by either Party.
  2. Either Party may terminate the Agreement immediately, if the other Party commits a material breach of the Agreement and, where such breach is capable of remedy, fails to remedy the breach within 14 days of a written notice to do so.
  3. In the event a Member fails to pay its fees when due (and not subject to a reasonable dispute), the Member shall be given a notice period to settle its outstanding dues as per section 7 below. If payment is not made within this period, the Member shall lose its voting rights, and the Agreement may be terminated by LEBIX.
  4. LEBIX may, with a reasonable notice period, suspend its performances of its obligations under the Agreement (including the provisioning of the Services) or terminate the Agreement in the event that:
    • LEBIX is directed by any competent authority to cease the access to the LEBIX Peering LAN and/or the provision of the Services; or
    • LEBIX is no longer able to provide access to the LEBIX Peering LAN or render the Services as a result of a change of law, regulation or tax, or where its suppliers or partners have terminated their services; or
    • LEBIX believes the Member’s conduct is likely to result in breach of law or is otherwise prejudicial to LEBIX’s interest.
  5. Either Party has the right to immediately without written notice suspend its performances or its obligations under the Agreement (including the provisioning of the Services) or terminate the Agreement in the event that:
    • The other Party shall be dissolved or liquidated, is declared bankrupt or otherwise insolvent, or must reasonably be expected to be unable to meet its obligations under the Agreement; or
    • An event of Force Majeure occurs, which event of Force Majeure continues for 30 business days after the receipt of a written notice by the other Party.
  6. Any termination is effective only for the future and entails no obligation for the Parties to return or refund any benefits received until the moment of termination.
  7. The provisions of the Agreement relating to confidentiality, limitation of liability, governing law and other provisions that expressly or by their nature are intended to continue to have effect, shall survive termination or expiration of the Agreement.

5. Use and Limitations

  1. The Member has the non-exclusive right to use the Services for its regular business purposes.
  2. The Member warrants that its use of the Services does not cause or is likely to cause any damage, or is in any other way harmful to LEBIX Peering LAN, LEBIX and all the other members connected to LEBIX.
  3. The Member agrees to implement any reasonable measures that LEBIX may propose in order to prevent or repair such damage or harm as described above.
  4. LEBIX reserves the right to immediately suspend and eventually discontinue The Member’s Services if deemed necessary in the event that The Member is causing harm as described above. Members shall use the Internet Exchange solely for its intended purpose and in a manner consistent with its objectives.

6. Member Organizational Setup and Responsibilities

  1. The Member shall ensure that all information relating to its designated Corporate Representative, as held by LEBIX, is accurate and kept up to date at all times in the LEBIX records, on the LEBIX website, and in the Peering DB.
  2. The Member is responsible for notifying LEBIX of any change of corporate representative.
  3. The Member agrees to be bound by any decision taken and communicated by the Corporate Representative(s).
  4. The corporate representative shall serve as the primary point of contact for the Member and shall fulfill all roles including technical contact, administrative contact, and Network Operations Center (NOC) liaison.
  5. All communications regarding LEBIX operations shall be conducted solely between the Member and LEBIX. The Member agrees not to contact or refer any of its customers directly to LEBIX’s designated team, unless expressly authorized or requested in writing by LEBIX.
  6. The Member is not entitled to represent LEBIX and will not enter into binding agreements on behalf of LEBIX.
  7. The Member will not bring LEBIX into disrepute or make any defamatory statements about LEBIX.

7. LEBIX Fees

  1. It is understood between the parties that LEBIX is a non-profit organization. Fees are collected solely to sustain its operations on a cost-recovery basis.

    Therefore, fees are structured in two parts:

    • An annual membership fee of/500/USD payable in a single installment.
    • A variable monthly fee, calculated in proportion to each Member’s utilization of resources, including but not limited to port size, colocation, international bandwidth, shared operational costs, NOC services, maintenance, and administration.
  2. Invoices shall be issued on a monthly basis either in US Dollars or in their equivalent in Lebanese Pounds, calculated at the official exchange rate applicable on the date of the invoice.
  3. All payments shall be made by direct bank transfer, or through any equivalent debit withdrawal from the Member’s account.
  4. LEBIX may impose a penalty or late fee on any payment delayed by more than sixty (60) days from the invoice date.
  5. LEBIX reserves the right to periodically re-assess and re-establish the Fees for the rendered Services, including in the event of any change of taxes, laws, regulations or applicable third-party terms having an effect on the Fees. Upward price changes shall be announced at least 3 months prior to a change on the LEBIX website. Downward price changes may be applied without notice.

8. LEBIX Responsibilities

  1. Unless otherwise required by law or by any governmental authority having appropriate jurisdiction, LEBIX shall not monitor Member ports or connections, nor view or collect the contents of Member data or traffic.
  2. LEBIX will, however, collect and publish aggregate statistics on its website, provided that such statistics do not identify any individual Member.
  3. LEBIX shall use commercially reasonable efforts to secure its network from unauthorized access, transmission, or use and shall cooperate with the Member to address security issues and develop security procedures.

9. Communication

  1. An email is deemed to have arrived five working days after it has been sent provided that the sender can show if needed that it was addressed to the correct email address.

10. Publicity

  1. The Member confirms not to publish any press releases or make any kind of public statements mentioning LEBIX unless the text of that press release or statement has previously been approved for publication by or on behalf of the LEBIX Board and communicated to the Member in writing.
  2. LEBIX will not publish any press releases or make any kind of public statements mentioning the Member name unless the Member have approved the text of the press release or statement in writing.
  3. If this Agreement is suspended for any reason, the Member will not describe themselves in any manner as a member of LEBIX unless the wording “membership suspended for breach of the rules” is clearly included as part of the description.

11. Confidentiality

LEBIX and its Members shall owe a duty of confidentiality to each other in all matters relating to LEBIX affairs, and shall treat all confidential information as strictly confidential. Any information not already in the public domain and exchanged between LEBIX and/or its Members shall be treated as confidential and may not be disclosed to any third party outside the LEBIX membership without the prior written consent of the concerned party. Except where the disclosure is required by law or a competent authority.

12. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of Lebanon. In the event of any dispute or conflict arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, the Parties shall first seek to resolve the matter amicably through mediation. If the dispute is not resolved through mediation within [30] days from the date one Party notifies the other of such dispute, either Party may refer the matter to the competent courts of Lebanon, which shall have exclusive jurisdiction.

13. Interpretation

  1. If there is any inconsistency between any of the provisions of this Agreement and the provisions of the LEBIX Articles of Association and Internal Regulation, the provisions of this Agreement shall prevail, but not so as to amend the Articles of Association and the Internal Regulation.
  2. The clause headings used in this Agreement shall not have any legal meaning in the interpretation of this Agreement.
  3. References to clauses or enumerations of clauses in this Agreement shall mean the clauses of this Agreement and no other document unless expressly indicated otherwise.
  4. The word **including** or **include** as used in this Agreement shall not be assumed to be limiting in its application and shall mean “including without limitation” wherever it appears.
  5. Each provision of this Agreement is severable and distinct from the others. If any one or more of such provisions becomes unenforceable at any time the validity, legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected or impaired.

14. Changes

  1. This Agreement, together with any documents expressly referred to in or appended to it, constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties and supersedes and replaces any prior discussions, arrangements, understandings, or agreements between them relating to the subject matter of this Agreement.
  2. LEBIX may vary this Agreement unilaterally in accordance with the terms of any General Assembly Resolution as stipulated in the Internal Regulations. Any such amendment shall take effect from the date on which it is published on LEBIX website.
  3. LEBIX may unilaterally make minor and/or consequential amendments to this Agreement in order to maintain good operations, provided that these amendments are published on the website.
  4. A log of changes shall be created on LEBIX website.
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