Internet Exchanges are important to the middle mile

Companies that require very low latency for their fiber communications have turned to using internet exchange points (IXPs). An IXP is, simply put, a way to bring the internet closer to the user. It is a physical location located at an intermediate point between the core network and connecting ISPs. A high-speed, backbone line connects a small building or room in an office building to a series of switches. The result is a shorter middle mile, lower cost, and lower latency.

https://www.telecompetitor.com/a-data-center-middle-mile-solution-could-also-serve-rural-broadband-providers/