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Cross Connect

Equinix Cross Connects provide direct access to thousands of networks and enterprises, cloud service providers, and digital content providers inside Equinix International Business Exchange (IBX) data centers. Through Cross Connects, network providers can efficiently distribute content or exchange data, and deploy applications in the cloud. Also, Cross Connects minimize latency by connecting to multiple infrastructures within a data center.

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

Single-Mode Fiber is currently the standard and only available media type offering in all IBX data centers.

Standard Cross Connects​

Equinix Standard Cross Connects are used for private peering and direct connectivity. As the most common type of interconnection, Standard Cross Connects are often simply referred to as "cross connects."

The most common media type used to deliver cross connects is single-mode fiber, although additional media types are currently supported, depending on the IBX.

Cross Connects Package​

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

  • The minimum quantity in a bundle is one cross connect.
  • Whether Cross Connects is installed or not, monthly recurring charge (MRC) for the total Cross Connects quantity begins when the order is placed.
  • An added ramp to the package controls billing start time and configurable billing options for the MRC.

Campus Cross Connects​

Equinix Campus Cross Connects  connect customers to other customers in a different Equinix IBX within approximately 6 miles (10 km). The Campus Cross Connects consist of pre-run, single-mode fiber in conduits between IBX data centers. These connections are available between select IBX locations.

Note: Campus Cross Connects utilize the Standard Cross Connects product.

Diverse Campus Cross Connects​

Diverse Campus Cross Connects is the second deployment of a Campus Cross Connects:

  • Systematically paired with a primary campus cross connect.
  • Serves as a backup during a cable failure. The two Campus Cross Connects are not required to be purchased at the same time.

This type of connection travels externally to the IBX data center on a guaranteed separate path from the primary Campus Cross Connects with a minimum separation of 20 feet at the IBX manhole.

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

Where are Diverse Campus Cross Connects available?​

Diverse Campus Cross Connects can be purchased as a secondary deployment wherever Campus Cross Connects are available. Availability can be found on regional product offering matrices on Sales Intelligence.

Why would I want Diverse Campus Cross Connects?​

The benefit of a Diverse Campus Cross Connect is that it is systematically paired with a primary Campus Cross Connect, and can serve as its backup in the event of a cable failure.

How are Diverse Campus Cross Connects priced?​

Diverse Campus Cross Connects are sold and priced as standard Cross Connects.

What is the ordering process for Diverse Campus Cross Connects?​

Diverse Campus Cross Connects can be ordered through the Global Service Desk. Or in EMEA and APAC, contact your sales representative.

Can I order only the Diverse Campus Cross Connect?​

Yes, you can but you must pair it with an existing primary Campus Cross Connect.

Can I cancel either of the Campus Cross Connects?​

Yes, you can delete either or both of the Campus Cross Connects. If you delete the Diverse Campus Cross Connect, the primary Campus Cross Connect remains. If you delete the primary Campus Cross Connect, the Diverse Campus Cross Connect remains and becomes the primary connection.

What is the performance SLA of a Diverse Campus Cross Connect?​

The SLA for Campus Cross Connects, including Diverse Campus Cross Connects, is 99.99%.

What is the minimum separation between the primary Campus Cross Connect and the Diverse Campus Cross Connect?​

There is a minimum separation of 20 feet at the manholes for all available IBX data centers, with the exception of TY2 and DB4. For these two data centers, there is less than 10 feet of separation.

Extended Cross Connects​

Equinix provides connectivity to the panel in the Building Meet-Me Room (BMMR). The third-party BMMR operator provides the final connection from the Equinix panel to the Z-side party or the provider panel. When you request termination to the Z-side party panel in the BMMR, Equinix completes the final connection with the third party.

Two options are available for Extended Cross Connects:

  • The Extended Cross Connects terminates to the Z-side party panel in the third party or BMMR. For this option, you must provide a Letter of Authorization (LOA).
  • The Extended Cross Connects terminates to the Equinix panel in the third party or BMMR. For this option, Equinix provides a LOA. You are responsible for ordering the final connection with the BMMR provider.

Note: Extended Cross Connects are not available for copper media.

Policies and Procedures​

  • Companies interested in purchasing a connection to an IBX through the BMMR must be (or must become) a customer of Equinix by signing a contract.
  • If you want Equinix to provide termination to you or the carrier in the BMMR, you must have a panel in the BMMR. If not, Equinix either provides an LOA to your panel or cancels the order.

Note: Extended Cross Connects are available in North America, APAC, and Warsaw.

For more details, see the Extended Interconnections Policies document.

Intra-Customer Cross Connects​

Intra-Customer Cross Connects (ICCC) allows you to interconnect to your own non-contiguous equipment within the same Equinix IBX data center. This means that the A and Z locations are associated with the same customer.

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.

Intra-Customer Cross Connects Bundle​

An Intra-Customer Cross Connects (ICCC) bundle allows you to order a bundle of ICCCs to simplify configuration and management processes, as well as the time-consuming pre- and post-installation activities.

  • You must order a minimum of 12 circuits.
  • A single bundled ICCC can be used with one A-side cabinet and one Z-side cabinet.
  • A bundled ICCC of multiple product offerings can be ordered in the same quote.
  • You must order with the same customer or system name, account number, and Master Country Agreement (MCA).
  • Connections are allowed according to ICCC policy.