Cloud ROUTER Architecture · DE-CIX

Role: Software Architect / Consultant
Year: 2024–2025
Technologies: Apache Kafka, Event-Driven Architecture, PHP, Scrum

Software architect on DE-CIX's Cloud ROUTER, designed an event-driven API layer on Apache Kafka to modernise a grown network management architecture without disrupting live operations at one of the world's largest internet exchange points.

The challenge

Modernise grown network-management architecture for one of the world's largest internet exchange points, without disrupting live operations.

My role

Architecture decisions, technical guidelines and reviews across Cloud ROUTER; designed and introduced an event-driven API layer on Apache Kafka including event model, contracts and versioning.

The outcome

Event-driven integration foundation that decouples new system components from legacy systems while preserving production stability.

Context

DE-CIX is one of the world’s largest internet exchange points. The Cloud ROUTER product enables large carriers and cloud providers to manage their network connections flexibly and programmatically. A fundamental architecture modernisation became necessary after a system migration pushed the existing network management architecture to its limits.

Challenge

Replacing a grown architecture without disrupting live production operations. No event-driven integration layer existed for the new system components, while requirements for stability, consistency and operational reliability remained high throughout.

My Role

Software architect and consultant. Responsible for architecture decisions, technical guidelines and reviews across Cloud ROUTER. Designed and introduced an event-driven API layer based on Apache Kafka, including event model, contracts, versioning strategy and consistency rules. Delivered as part of a Scrum team in close coordination with product management and engineering.

Technologies: Apache Kafka, Event-Driven Architecture, PHP, Scrum