Network Service Provider Connections

Network Edge allows you to connect your virtual device to a network service provider for Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) Internet/ IP/ ISP service.

To connect a virtual device to a network service provider:

  • From the Virtual Device Inventory page, select a device, and then click Connect to a Network Service.

NSP Connection Options

There are three possible scenarios, and each requires a different way of connecting your virtual device to the network service provider.

  • Finding an Existing Service – The network service provider is offering its service on Equinix Fabric platform. Click Finding an Existing Service to find the provider and establish a connection with them.

  • Connecting to my Existing Equinix Fabric Port – The network service provider is not offering its service on the Equinix Fabric platform, but you have an existing Equinix Fabric port that is connected to the network service provider.

    If you have an Equinix Fabric port that is already connected to the network service provider in Equinix, you can establish a connection from your virtual device to your Equinix Fabric port.

  • Connecting to NSPs Equipment – The network service provider is not offering its service on the Equinix Fabric platform and you don't have your own Equinix Fabric port.

If the network service provider is not offering its service on Equinix Fabric, you'll need to buy a remote port and create a connection from your virtual device to your Equinix Fabric port.

Note: Because this remote Equinix Fabric port is being ordered to connect the virtual device to a network service provider, you will be charged the same as a standard Equinix Fabric port.

Standard Ordering Process

Choose the Standard Ordering Process to configure the remote port and create the connection in a single ordering process. The Network Edge will default a set of parameters that are not generally applicable to you when you are establishing a connection from your virtual device to your network service provider.

Depending on the NSPs type of service and equipment, you might need to configure a few basic attributes for the Equinix Fabric port including the interface and encapsulation type.

To tie down your Equinix Fabric port to the service provider's equipment, Equinix needs a letter of authorization (LOA) from your provider authorizing Equinix to access their equipment to establish the physical connection.

After you submit your order, it takes a total of 10 days, including Equinix Fabric port provisioning and turn-up to set up the virtual connection.

Advanced Ordering Process

Choose the Advanced Ordering Process is to accommodate specific needs by configuring each item separately. This process is manual and requires you to order a remote port and then create a connection from your virtual device separately.