Metro Connect Product Offerings
Metro Connect provides optical Layer 1 service or packet-based Layer 2 services. For both service types, Equinix supplies:
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An end-to-end connection that includes a cross connect at the customer demarcation in the Equinix International Business Exchange (IBX) data center (typically, at the customer cage fiber distribution panel). For Extended Metro Connect, this connection terminates in a Building Meet-Me Room (BMMR).
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Media converters where necessary. In the Asia-Pacific region, an incremental charge might be applied.
Patch cables from the patch panels to a customer’s equipment are not included. They can be ordered using the Equinix Smart Hands service.
Both service types support a minimum Maximum Transmission unit (MTU) size of 9100 bytes. All interfaces are set to full duplex. Layer 2 Ethernet services support 802.1ad (QinQ) in most locations.
Metro Connect offers these port speed options:
| 1G | 10G | 100G | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Layer 1 DWDM optical-based |
– |
10G Base-LR single-mode optical fiber Local Area Network Physical layer (LAN PHY) only Supports LACP and MACsec. |
100GigE single-mode optical fiber LR4 customer handoff. Unprotected and dual-diverse options are available, depending on the metro. Supports LACP and MACsec. |
| Layer 2 Packet-based |
Gigabit Ethernet single-mode fiber Supports Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) and Media Access Control security (MACsec) on some platforms |
10G Base-LR single-mode optical fiber. | – |
Layer 1 Services
Equinix uses Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) transport platforms to offer point-to-point wavelength-based connectivity between select IBX locations.
DWDM Wavelength-based Service
Metro Connect services over wavelengths allow you the ability to choose bandwidth within the specified range, regardless of your Layer 2 protocol. The wavelength service provides all the benefits of dark fiber (high bandwidth, protocol and bit-rate independence) without the associated disadvantages (cost, scalability, survivability).
DWDM service is configured in a ring or mesh architecture for route protection, and includes optical switch automatic protection.
DWDM Options
Metro Connect Layer 1 services are provided over carrier fiber and are available in various port speeds.
| Port Speed | Media Type | MTU Size | Transceiver Module | Encapsulation Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Gpbs* | Single Mode fiber (SMF) | 9124 | 1 Gpbs BASE-LX
/ 1G BASE-LR (1310 nm) |
LAN-PHY |
| 10 Gpbs | SMF | – | 10 Gpbs BASE-LR
(1310 nm) |
LAN-PHY |
| 100 Gpbs | SMF | – | 100 Gpbs BASELR4
(1310 nm) |
LAN-PHY |
* 10G is available as a packet-based Layer 2 service in some metros.
All interfaces are set to full duplex.
Layer 2 Services
Equinix employs several Ethernet switch and router technologies to offer point-to-point Layer 2 connectivity between IBX centers. Bandwidth is not guaranteed, but Equinix actively manages network utilization to avoid oversubscription and to ensure frame/packet delivery.
Packet-based Service
For redundant Layer 2 paths, the particular failover mechanism (such as Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) Fast ReRoute (FRR), Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), or Ethernet Automatic Protection Switching (EAPS)) varies, depending on the network equipment used between sites. Where non-MPLS failover is employed, there is no Layer 2 Control Protocol (L2CP) transparency. While Equinix policy is to not oversubscribe bandwidth, Layer 2 services are provided over a shared network infrastructure.
Switch-based Options
| Port Speed | Media Type* | MTU Size | Transceiver Module | Encapsulation Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Gbps | SMF | 1,522 b and up** | 1000 BASE-LX | All encapsulation types supported |
| 10 Gbps | SMF | 1,522 b and up** | 10 Gbps BASE-LR
(1310 nm) |
All encapsulation types supported |
* The availability of media types varies by region.
** Most locations support jumbo frames (9032 bytes). All interfaces are set to full duplex.
