DE-CIX launches AI server for natural-language networking
Fri, 16th Oct 2026 (Today)
DE-CIX has launched an open-source Model Context Protocol server for AI-assisted network management. The tool lets customers use natural-language instructions to find, order and manage connectivity services.
The server gives businesses access to the DE-CIX platform through AI agents that support the Model Context Protocol. This allows network teams to search for, procure, deploy and manage connections without working through multiple APIs directly.
Engineers can use an agent built on a large language model of their choice to explore connectivity options, including cloud on-ramps, book and scale services, check live service status, and generate code for automation tasks linked to DE-CIX services. The server is available as a beta download and can run on engineers' own systems.
DE-CIX is positioning the release as an early move by an internet exchange operator into natural-language network management. The company operates internet exchanges in 60 locations across Europe, Africa, North and South America, the Middle East and Asia.
How it works
The server is based on the open-source IX-API standard, a project DE-CIX has supported since 2019. Model Context Protocol servers are designed to let AI applications and agent platforms connect with external systems in a standardised way, reducing the need to navigate separate API frameworks and documentation.
That means network teams can instruct an AI agent in plain language to carry out operational tasks instead of calling individual functions manually. DE-CIX says the MCP server can also provide real-time service-status information as part of those workflows.
The product is part of the company's broader automation work on interconnection services. DE-CIX says the software will continue to be developed during the beta phase.
A recent survey commissioned by DE-CIX found that IT teams spend more than 11 hours each week on average troubleshooting connectivity issues.
“A recent DE-CIX survey of IT and infrastructure decision makers found that IT teams are, on average, still spending more than 11 hours, or a full working day, each week troubleshooting connectivity issues,” said Dr Thomas King, Chief Technology Officer, DE-CIX.
“Network architecture is becoming increasingly complex, meaning that network operators and enterprise IT teams are faced with multiple challenges to build and operate their infrastructure according to their needs. The DE-CIX MCP server, based on the open-source standard IX-API, responds to customers' need for simpler interconnection. This is the next step in the ongoing process of automating the DE-CIX platform, making interconnection on-demand, programmable, observable, modular, and secure,” said King.
Industry context
The launch comes as infrastructure operators explore how generative AI interfaces can sit on top of existing network control systems. For operators and enterprise customers, the appeal is reducing the technical overhead of specialised interfaces while preserving access to ordering and operational functions.
DE-CIX says the server is compatible with all large language models and agents built on them, provided they support the protocol. It has also made the software open source, a move that may broaden testing and integration among customers and developers already using IX-API-based environments.
The operator has a large installed base for such tooling. Its platforms are accessible from data centres in more than 600 cities and interconnect thousands of carriers, internet service providers, content providers and enterprise networks in more than 100 countries.
DE-CIX Frankfurt remains one of the world's largest internet exchanges, with annual traffic volumes of more than 48 exabytes and close to 1,100 connected networks.