Cross Connect

Equinix Cross Connects are dedicated, physical cabling links between two parties within an Equinix IBX data center. These connections enable direct, high-performance, low-latency, and secure data exchange across networks, cloud platforms, and enterprise systems. Cross Connects are available in most IBX locations globally. To view IBX data centers, go to Equinix Marketplace and click the Explorer card for Cross Connect product availability at each IBX.

Customers use Cross Connects for a wide range of purposes, including private peering, delivering services, connecting to private WANs, and connecting to the central switching fabric. Cross Connects are supported by a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with 99.99% or above availability. This level of performance supports reliable connectivity for mission-critical applications.

As of March 31, 2024, single-mode fiber (SMF), which supports long-distance and high-bandwidth transmission, is the only supported media type available for Cross Connect orders in Equinix IBX data centers. Copper and Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF), typically used for shorter-range connectivity, were discontinued on the same date. This applies to all IBX locations, including newly launched data centers.

For more information on Cross Connects, see the Cross Connects data sheet.

note

To connect two IBX data centers within an Equinix metro, visit the Metro Connect page for details.

Product Media Specifications

Media Type	Connector Type
POTS	RJ11
UTP	RJ45
COAX	BNC
Single-mode fiber*	SC, ST, FC, and LC
Multi-mode fiber	SC, ST, and LC

*Effective March 31, 2024, Single-mode fiber (SMF) is the only media type available in IBX data centers globally.

Cross Connects Package

A Cross Connects package allows customers to contractually commit to a set number of cross connects for the same cabinet or cage and media type.

Key Features:

• The minimum quantity in a bundle is one cross connect.
• Monthly recurring charge (MRC) for the entire package begins once the order is placed, regardless of installation status.
• Includes a ramp option to control billing start time and configure MRC billing preferences.

Standard Cross Connects

Standard Cross Connects are the most common type of interconnection within Equinix IBX data centers. They provide direct, low-latency connectivity to networks, cloud providers, and enterprises.

Key Features:

• Used for private peering and direct connectivity.
• Available in most IBX locations worldwide.
• The provisioning SLA is 24 hours for up to 3 cross connects. The provisioning time SLA increases with increased order quantities. For example, the SLA for 4-6 Cross Connects requires 36 hours. See Cross Connects Provisioning Interval by IBX for more information.

Campus Cross Connects

Campus Cross Connects connect customers across two IBX data centers within approximately 6 miles (10 km) using pre-run, single-mode fiber conduits.

Key Features:

• Uses the Standard Cross Connect product.
• Consists of pre-run, single-mode fiber in conduits between IBX data centers.
• Available between select IBX locations.

Diverse Campus Cross Connects

Diverse Campus Cross Connects are a secondary deployment of Campus Cross Connects, designed to provide a redundant, physically separated connection path between IBX data centers. They are systematically paired with a primary Campus Cross Connect and serve as a backup in case of a cable failure. These connections travel externally to the IBX on a guaranteed separate route, with a minimum separation of 20 feet at the IBX manhole (except in specific IBXs like TY2 and DB4).

note

Cross Connects inside an IBX are not guaranteed to travel a diverse path.

Key Features:

• Available as a secondary deployment wherever Campus Cross Connects are available.
• Can be ordered independently of the primary Campus Cross Connect, but must be paired with one.
• Priced as standard Cross Connects.
• SLA of 99.99% uptime, consistent with Campus Cross Connects.
• Ordering is done via the Global Service Desk, or through sales representatives in EMEA and APAC.
• Either connection (primary or diverse) can be deleted independently. If the primary is deleted, the diverse connection becomes the new primary.

Extended Cross Connects

Extended Cross Connects provide connectivity between an Equinix IBX and a third-party Building Meet-Me Room (BMMR).

Key Features:

• Requires a Letter of Authorization (LOA).
• Two termination options are available to the Z-side party panel or the Equinix panel, both located within the third-party or BMMR.
• Not available for copper media.
• Available in North America, APAC, and Warsaw.

Policies and Procedures

• Companies interested in purchasing a connection to an IBX through the BMMR must be (or become) an Equinix customer by signing a contract.
• To request termination in the BMMR, a panel in the BMMR must be present. If not, Equinix will either issue an LOA to your panel or cancel the order.

For more details, refer to Extended Interconnections Policies.

Intra-Customer Cross Connects (ICCC)

ICCCs connect a customer’s non-contiguous equipment within the same IBX. This means both the A-side and Z-side locations are associated with the same customer, even if they are in separate cages or cabinets.

To qualify for ICCC, your company must be recognized by Equinix as the same entity, including any of your affiliates, for the purpose of the Equinix Master Country Agreement administration.

Key Features:

• Designed for internal connectivity between a customer’s own infrastructure.
• Available in bundles (minimum of 12 circuits).
• No monthly recurring charge (MRC); only a one-time installation fee (NRC) applies.
• Must be under the same Master Country Agreement (MCA).

Intra-Customer Cross Connects Bundle

An ICCC bundle simplifies the configuration, management, and installation of multiple ICCCs by allowing you to order them together.

• Minimum order of 12 circuits per bundle.
• A single bundled ICCC can be used with one A-side cabinet and one Z-side cabinet.
• Bundles can include multiple product offerings under a single quote.
• All connections must share the same customer or system name, account number, and Master Country Agreement (MCA).
• Connections must comply with ICCC policy.

Troubleshooting Cross Connects

If a Cross Connect circuit experiences issues, customers can submit a Trouble Ticket via the Customer Portal. Upon receiving the ticket, Equinix tests the circuit from the A-side demarcation point to the Z-side demarcation point. If the physical circuit is functioning correctly:

• Equinix notifies the user that the issue is not related to Equinix infrastructure.
• A Smart Hands fee will be applied for the diagnostic effort.
• The user may need to contact their carrier or network to resolve the issue.
• The user can place a Smart Hands order for Equinix to test or fix the circuit in the user's A-side cage.