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Physical Security for Installs and Deployments

Physical Security at Equinix is designed to safeguard our customers while maintaining a confidential environment. Balancing security and privacy is accomplished with the implementation of the highest standards of access control and video management systems, professional security support staff, and policy that puts the customer at the center of it all. To ensure our customers are the center point, customization of security on a licensed space or cabinet can be requested via a custom service order. All requests are reviewed for compliance. Approvals are typically provided with caveats that must be accepted prior to work beginning. The following FAQs address many aspects of customized security and options that are available, however, should there be any additional questions, please work with your CSM who will reach out to the correct team(s) within Equinix to address them.

Access Control for Private Leased Spaces

Are there any enhancements beyond standard Equinix security solutions for private customer leased spaces?

Equinix can provide additional security measures for customer licensed spaces. Features include two-person rule, dual factor authentication, procedural and functional egress control. These options are only available via Custom Order

  • Two Person Rule -Two people with access to a space must present their credentials within a time expectation for access to be granted to the space. A cage restriction will need to be submitted by the customer, approved and put into place by Equinix prior to implementing this option.
  • Procedural Egress Reader – A reader located on the interior of the licensed space to be used to track traffic leaving the space. The reader does not impede egress because it does not control the space’s lock hardware.
  • Functional Egress Reader – A reader located on the interior of the licensed space to be used to track traffic leaving the space. Using the reader is required to exit the cage. This option requires emergency egress devices within the space and fire relay as required by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) providing proper life safety.

Can a customer add their own security devices in addition to Equinix’s standard cage security?

Customers can add their own access control devices to enhance security and monitoring of their space. The customer’s devices cannot independently give access to the space or override Equinix’s access control system. The devices must either be procedural or work in conjunction with Equinix’s. If a card reader is installed, the customer must deliver two cards solely for use by Equinix. Customer-managed biometric devices are not allowed in this scenario. Any connections for the customer provided ACS to the door hardware must be completed by the site team via Smart Hands. A cage restriction will need to be submitted by the customer, approved and put in place by Equinix prior to the implementation of this installation.

The customer wants to only have their access control on the space; is this possible?

Yes, a customer can request all Equinix-managed devices be removed, and have their system installed via an approved Customer Service Order. The customer will need to agree to a set of caveats and is then responsible for all access to the cage, and the results of delayed access to the space. Equinix will still have the right to enter the space in the event of an emergency.

Is it possible for Equinix to add access readers to the cabinets within my private cage?

Equinix offers a proximity card + PIN solution for accessing standard Equinix provided cabinets. The reader would be managed and controlled on the Equinix access control system. Customer-provided cabinets would need to be reviewed for compatibility.

Am I permitted to use my company’s access control platform on cabinets within our cage?

Yes, a customer can request to have their system installed via an approved Customer Service Order, or by your vendor. The customer will need to agree to a set of caveats and is then responsible for all access to any cabinets within scope, and the results of delayed access to the cabinets. A cage restriction will need to be submitted by the customer, approved and put in place by Equinix prior to the implementation of this installation.

Who installs the customer-provided devices, cable needs and pathways?

Equinix is always available to assist in the physical installation of a customer’s device(s) or system in whole, with a complete scope of work provided by the customer. It is required that Equinix install all devices and supporting material that is attached to Equinix infrastructure and access control system. A customer’s vendor may be used for installation scope where Equinix is not required.

Video Coverage for Private Leased Spaces

Does Equinix provide camera coverage for customer-licensed space?

Equinix provides a camera on the interior of a customer’s licensed cage space viewing the door. Flex space entry points are monitored from the exterior of the licensed space. All cameras record 24/7/365 and are stored per the IBX’s retention period.

Can I request additional Equinix-cameras for my space?

You can request additional cameras for your licensed space. Additional camera view examples include viewing all rows of a cage, selected rows, specific cabinets, demarc panels and interior of Flex offices. The Equinix standard camera would be used and recorded per standard of practice. This option is available via Equinix Custom Order.

Can I supply cameras for Equinix to manage and record?

All cameras managed and recorded by Equinix are also furnished by Equinix. This ensures quality level, compatibility, and gives the greatest assurance of uptime.

Can a customer install and control their own cameras?

Our customers can request to install their own video surveillance within their licensed space. The request is reviewed for compliance and approved or denied accordingly. General parameters include, but are not limited to, viewing images only within your licensed space, cameras cannot have analog PTZ functions and cannot use a camera’s microphone or speaker audio attributes.

Can a customer request that the Equinix-provided camera be removed from the licensed space?

The standard Equinix camera can be relocated to outside of the licensed space. Relocation of the standard Equinix provided camera requires an approved CSO with all associated relocation costs the responsibility of the customer.

Who installs the customer-provided devices, cable needs, and pathways?

Equinix is always available to assist in the physical installation of a customer’s device(s) or system in whole, with a complete scope of work provided by the customer. It is required that Equinix install all devices and supporting material that is attached to Equinix infrastructure and access control system. A customer’s vendor may be used for installation scope where Equinix is not required.

Access control for Shared Space Cabinets

Are there any options other than a combination lock for securing my cabinet?

Equinix offers a proximity card + PIN solution for accessing standard Equinix provided cabinets. The reader would be managed and controlled on the Equinix access control system. Customer-provided cabinets would need to be reviewed for compatibility. This option is available via Equinix Custom Order but not available for Secure Express Cabinets.

Can I install my own access control equipment on a cabinet?

The only access control that can be implemented at the cabinet level in shared spaces is the Equinix proximity card + PIN managed solution.

What options do I have for my Secure Cabinet Express?

Secure Cabinet Express comes with a Kaba Mas combination lock. The Express cabinet is a fixed product offering with a preconfigured security solution that cannot be modified.

Video Coverage for Shared Space Cabinets

Does Equinix provide camera coverage for shared customer space?

Shared customer spaces are monitored by the video management system, coverage includes entry points and aisles of the space.

Can I request an Equinix-managed camera dedicated to my cabinet?

Equinix can install a camera within the cab occupying the top 4 rack units. It would view straight down capturing anyone accessing the cabinet. The camera view is to ensure the privacy of all our guests by only capturing images of your licensed space. This option is available via Equinix Custom Order.

Can I supply cameras for Equinix to manage and record?

All cameras managed and recorded by Equinix are also furnished by Equinix. This ensures quality level, compatibility, and gives the greatest assurance of uptime.

Can a customer install and control their own camera?

Our customers can request to install their own video surveillance within their licensed cabinet space. The request is reviewed for compliance and approved or denied accordingly. General parameters include, but are not limited to, viewing images only within your licensed space, cameras cannot have analog PTZ functions and cannot use a camera’s microphone or speaker audio attributes.

Who installs the customer-provided devices, cable needs and pathways?

Equinix is always available to assist in the physical installation of a customer’s device(s) or system in whole, with a complete scope of work provided by the customer. It is required that Equinix install all devices and supporting material that is attached to Equinix infrastructure and access control system. A customer’s vendor may be used for installation scope where Equinix is not required.