A peering provider is an entity that facilitates direct interconnection between different networks, allowing them to exchange traffic without routing through the public internet. This direct exchange, known as peering, improves performance, reduces latency, lowers costs, and enhances reliability by providing multiple paths for data.

Peering providers handle the infrastructure, agreements, and traffic management needed for these connections, often at Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) or through private arrangements. In Hedgehog Open Network Fabric, peering arrangements are used to optimize data transfer, reduce operational costs, and ensure seamless, high-performance connectivity between on-premises infrastructure and cloud environments, supporting hybrid cloud deployments and secure, efficient network operations.