Konstantinos Karmas
‘’Wer’e less than 50 people, maintaining the guts of the internet’’
Who is NL-ix?
Behind the world of the Internet, behind the world of fibers, protocols, peers and terabytes, are actual people making it all work. But who are these people? In other words: Who is NL-ix?
Today: 🤝Konstantinos Karmas, Software Engineer
Growing up in Greece, the internet was a bit of a late bloomer. But I’ve been hooked on it since the dial-up days, when the phone line doubled as our internet connection. Our home was a microcosm of the digital age evolution—playing games on that thick, small-screened ‘family computer’, with no less than 56 kilo BPS. My dad is an electrical engineer and my mom a mathematician, so I get my interest in it all from them.
After completing my degree in electrical engineering from Thessaloniki, I moved to the Netherlands for my Engineering Doctorate. I started working on diverse software technology projects. I initially worked with a company that manufactured 3D printers, which was exciting and new. Then a chance encounter led me to NL-IX, which turned out to be an impactful opportunity. I've been a part of the NL-IX family since November 2021.
The team at NL-IX is incredible—knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and culturally diverse. There's always something new to learn, and help is never far away. It's an environment that encourages growth, collaboration, and fun. It shows just how the right people can make a difference: we’re less than 50 people, yet we maintain a big part of the guts of the internet and everything that's working under there.
‘’Wer’e less than 50 people, maintaining the guts of the internet’’
Konstantinos Karmas
I’m on the team as a software engineer, helping to translate concepts into code. We bring the ideas our customers need or cool concepts we come up with to life. It's a blend of innovation, maintenance, and creation.
I've worked on projects like ICON, an interface that helps our customers understand their internet traffic, and Network Search Service, which allows them to check the traffic routes for specific IPs. Icon, in particular, remains my favorite because of its scale, impact, and visual appeal.
‘’NL-IX is essentially the heart of the internet—a place where major companies ensure robust, stable, and hassle-free internet connections for the world. We're the strong foundation that supports seamless digital communication.’’
Konstantinos Karmas
The immediate visibility of changes in a small company makes the work more rewarding. While Icon and Network Search Service were the most customer-facing projects I've worked on, we also have numerous background projects that support our own main applications. Currently, we're working on an automation project that will significantly benefit our internal teams like sales and marketing.
The thrill of problem-solving is what keeps me going. It's fulfilling to find a way through the maze of complexities that we encounter daily. The team, the passion for the work, and the fun that comes with it—all make the experience worthwhile.
