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Multipoint-to-Multipoint Networking

Multipoint-to-multipoint networking enables you to interconnect assets deployed across many locations through a common network instead of requiring direct connections between individual locations.

Depending on the asset you want to connect, we offer the following network types:

  • E-LAN - a layer 2 multipoint-to-multipoint network.
  • E-Tree - a layer 2 rooted multipoint network (hub-and-spoke model).
  • IP-WAN - a layer 3 multipoint-to-multipoint network for connecting your Fabric Cloud Routers to create a single wide area network. See Fabric Cloud Router and IP-WAN for more information about IP-WAN.

You can define a Layer 2 multipoint-to-multipoint network as either local, regional, or global:

  • Local - to network your assets within a metro.
  • Regional - to network your assets within a region (AMER/EMEA/APAC)
  • Global - to network your assets globally.

To take advantage of Multipoint-to-Multipoint connections, first Create a Network and then Connect to a Network.

Availability​

We support individual connection speeds from 10Mbps up to 50Gbps to local networks and up to 25Gbps for regional and global networks.

Connections to regional and global networks are not currently supported in the following metros:

  • Lima
  • Brussels
  • Dubai
  • Canberra
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • Mumbai

Multipoint Network Types​

E-LAN​

A layer 2 multipoint-to-multipoint network - it is an any-to-any network architecture with all endpoints participating in a single broadcast domain.

We offer two types of E-LAN network:

  • EVP-LAN (a VLAN-based service) - connections are created on EVPL ports that can host multiple VLAN-based connections.

  • EP-LAN (a port-based service) - connections are created on dedicated (untagged) EPL ports.

E-Tree​

This is a layer 2-rooted multipoint network (hub-and-spoke model)

Connections into the E-Tree network are defined as either root or leaf.

  • A root can communicate with all leaves as well as other roots

  • A leaf cannot see or send traffic to another leaf.

An E-Tree network can have as many roots and leaves as your network architecture necessitates but at a minimum it requires at least one root connection for any traffic to pass.

We offer two types of E-Tree networks:

  • EVP-Tree (a VLAN-based service) - connections are created on EVPL ports that can host multiple VLAN based connections.

  • EP-Tree (a port-based service) - connections are created on dedicated (untagged) EPL ports.

By using Z-side service tokens, you can also enable trusted partners and customers to connect directly and seamlessly to your E-Tree network, without the need for complex integration or configuration and centrally manage and control who can participate on your network and ensure data isolation between customer segments.