Our FIX CTCI solution lets you log into either Trader Workstation (TWS) or IB Gateway at any time with no repercussions. For example, you may want to use TWS for testing and subsequently run IB Gateway to conserve system resources. Both access methods are upgraded synchronously and provide the same features. The primary difference is that IB Gateway has a lighter and less sophisticated graphical user interface (GUI) than TWS.
You can use only one connection type for each account. Account types with multiple accounts, such as advisors or other institutions, can have only one connection type for all accounts. Switching the connection type may take up to one week.
Connection Type | Description |
---|---|
Internet | Standard connection through public internet. Requires IB Gateway connection interface. |
Extranet | A T1 line routed to one of IB's extranet providers, Radianz TNS or Savvis. They route directly to IB over a secure private line. |
VPN | IB supports a dedicated Virtual Private Network (VPN) tunnel from the client's data center directly to one of IB's Data Centers. A VPN provides a secure method of connecting over the public Internet without the need to maintain a dedicated leased line or extranet connection. |
Dedicated Line | Client pays for a T1 line that connects directly to one of IB's Data Centers, which are located throughout the world. A dedicated lease line connects users directly into the IB system and facilitates a quicker and more secure connection than a regular Internet line. |
Cross-Connect | Equinix NY5 colocation facility (tier 4 datacenter) is located in Secaucus, New Jersey. IB has a client point of presence at this datacenter. Clients who are also located in this datacenter can order a cross-connect from the datacenter to IB's client facing servers there. The client is responsible for the costs of the cross-connect. Once the cross-connect is ordered by the client (with NY5), IB's network engineers will work with the client and the datacenter. |
For monthly minimums per connection type, see the Required Minimums page.
Note:
Professional Advisors, Funds, Trading Groups, and Brokers requiring integration should contact their sales representative. Individuals and Non-Professional advisors who require CTCI integration should send a request to ci@interactivebrokers.com. Integration can take up to one week.
Use the IB Gateway Guide if you are using the CTCI over the Internet.
I understand that the Interactive Brokers ("IB") CTCI-FIX Specification that I have requested contains confidential and proprietary information of IB and I agree that I will not disclose such information to any third parties or use such confidential information personally except for purposes of opening an IB account and trading through the IB system. I understand that all other uses or disclosures of the information is prohibited and could cause irreparable harm to IB.
I have read the disclaimer and wish to read the users' guide.
The OCC's Option Symbology Initiative (OSI) replaces the five-character OPRA code with a 21-character OSI identifier to be used by the exchanges, the OCC, and OPRA in all of their systems related to order routing, clearing, and market data distribution, respectively. The Implementation Guide documents the methods and formatting IB requires from its CTCI clients to accommodate this change.