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Equinix Connect – End of Life FAQs

Summary​

The end of life for Equinix Connect (EC) will occur on December 15, 2025, including these features:

  • 100M ports
  • Copper media type
  • Multi-mode fiber (MMF) media type

The sale of EC 100M ports, copper, and multi-mode fiber ended on December 31, 2021, and these interfaces are now approaching the end of their lifecycle. After December 15, 2025, Equinix will terminate all EC services and remove the associated equipment. By transitioning customers to Equinix Internet Access (EIA), Equinix ensures the continued delivery of reliable and scalable internet services on a modern platform that offers enhanced features, expanded capacity, and improved stability.

Migration Options​

Configuration Options​

Existing EC ConfigurationEIA Configuration OptionsAvailability
100M ports with copper media 1G ports TX copper media1G SMFAvailable now
1G SMF or 10G SMFAvailable now
Dual-homed directDual-port VRRP directAvailable now
Dual-homed staticDual-port VRRP staticAvailable now
Multi-site dual-homed with dedicated portDual-IBX with dedicated portComing soon
Dual-IBX with Equinix FabricComing soon

To view your EC assets, go to Inventory or Install Base in the Equinix Customer Portal.

IP Address Options​

  1. EIA with new IP addresses – Place an order for a new EIA service with new IP addresses. You can activate the new service immediately, then terminate your EC service at any time before December 15, 2025.
  2. EIA with migrated IP addresses – Place an order for a new EIA service and schedule a turn-up call to transfer the IP addresses from your EC service to EIA. The EC service will be terminated at the same time.Place an order for a new EIA service and schedule a turn-up call to transfer the IP addresses from your EC service to EIA. The EC service will be terminated at the same time.
note

EIA uses single-mode fiber (SMF) connections, which provide superior bandwidth and distance capabilities. If you currently use copper or multi-mode fiber (MMF), you must convert to SMF.

Migration Procedure​

Select a migration procedure below based on whether you want to retain your current EC IP addresses or obtain new ones.

EIA with new IP addresses​

  1. Order New EIA Service

    • Order EIA with Equinix Fabric – This is the easiest option if you already have an active Fabric port connected to the same apps or infrastructure that requires internet access. EIA can be ordered as a virtual connection within an existing Fabric port. The virtual EIA service can coexist with other virtual connections on the same Fabric port. To start your order in the Customer Portal, go to the Create Connection page and click Connect to a Service Provider. (For details, see the prerequisites and ordering instructions.)

    OR

    Alternatively, you can order this through your Equinix account team. To find account team information, visit My Equinix Contacts in the Customer Portal.

  2. Terminate your Equinix Connect service (without penalty) once your new EIA service is activated.

    • Go to the Support Center in the Customer Portal.
    • For Select a Product or a Service, choose Account Support.
    • For Case Type, select Products/Services De-Install.
    • Use the drop-down lists to locate the EC asset you want to terminate.
    • For Preferred Termination Date, choose a date no later than December 15, 2025.
    • Complete the form and click Submit.

EIA with IP addresses migrated from Equinix Connect​

  1. Request the order form – To request the EIA Configuration form, email EC-EIA-Migration@equinix.com. You will receive an email with a customized link to the EIA Configuration form.

  2. Complete the order form – Use the form to specify your desired network configuration and EC asset detail, then click Submit.

  3. Review and accept the quote – You will receive an email with a quote for the new service. Review and accept the quote.

  4. Schedule the turn-up call – After you accept the order, Equinix will provision the new EIA service. We will schedule a turn-up call with you to coordinate the transfer of the IP addresses and the disconnection of your existing EC service.

  5. Terminate your EC order – Once your new EIA service is activated, ask your Equinix account team to request termination of the existing EC order to stop billing for the EC service.

FAQs​

What is changing, and when?​

The End of Life for Equinix Connect, including copper and MMF media, will be December 15, 2025.

Customers can migrate any time before December 15, 2025. We highly recommend that customers migrate service to EIA as soon as possible.

Customers can migrate themselves (by ordering EIA online and canceling EC), or reach out to the Account team.

What is the reason for this change?​

Legacy network equipment that supports the configurations listed above has gone past its end-of-support dates. The suppliers of that network equipment will no longer provide spares, fixes, or software updates. This could impact performance and security.

Equinix wants to move customers onto new network equipment that is fully supported. This will ensure availability, performance, and up-to-date security enhancements.

How does this change affect me?​

You must migrate to Equinix Internet Access (EIA) to maintain internet service.

Optionally, you can upgrade or change your service to better meet your current needs.

When migrating to the new EIA service, a new set of terms and pricing will apply.

If you are on copper or multi-mode fiber (MMF) media types, you will need to convert to single-mode fiber (SMF). This will likely impact any current network devices being used for the legacy service.

How does this affect pricing?​

In most cases, the new service offers reduced pricing for the customer. You can review the new pricing during the EIA ordering process.

Can I get a copper or MMF Cross Connect and select an alternate supplier?​

No, Equinix stopped selling copper and MMF Cross Connects on March 31, 2024.

Only SMF Cross Connects can be purchased going forward.

Can I migrate my IP addresses from EC to EIA?​

Yes. When completing the EIA order form, you can request to migrate your EC IP addresses to the new EIA service. The request must include details about the EC asset or address being replaced, and the new EIA service configuration must be compatible with the EC asset.

The migration will take place during a turn-up call, where the EC service will be deactivated simultaneously to prevent IP address conflicts between the two services.

Note: If new IP addresses are acceptable for the new EIA service, you can activate the EIA service first and then terminate the EC service at your convenience.

When is the last day of service for these configurations?​

December 15, 2025. We highly recommend that customers migrate service to EIA as soon as possible.

What alternatives are available?​

You can subscribe to an EIA service (with SMF media type) for a wide range of configurations.

If you have a Fabric port, you can order EIA as a virtual connection within that Fabric port. The virtual EIA service can coexist with other virtual connections on that same Fabric port.

Will my company be contacted?​

Initial notifications were sent by email on July 31, 2024. Periodic email reminders will follow.

Is the EC Additional IP Allocation product affected by the End of Life?​

No, EC Additional IP Allocation is not affected. It is used for leasing IP addresses and remains available. When you delete your Equinix Connect service, you should also delete the associated EC Additional IP Allocation. When you order your replacement Equinix Internet Access service, new IP addresses will be provided using the EC Additional IP Allocation product.

What VRRP issues might come up during migration to Equinix Internet Access?​

Equinix supports two VRRP standard IP assignments. It’s important to adhere to these standards for consistency and for troubleshooting:

  1. VRRP Direct – The first three octets are reserved for Equinix, in this order: Equinix VIP, Equinix PRI, and Equinix SEC. The customer gateway points to the Equinix VIP. Example:

    Network149.97.230.128/29
    Equinix VIP149.97.230.129
    Equinix PRI149.97.230.130
    Equinix SEC149.97.230.131

  2. VRRP Static – The first three octets are reserved for Equinix, in this order: Equinix VIP (customer gateway), Equinix PRI, Equinix SEC. The next three usable IPs are designated for the customer. The customers’ static routes are sent to the Customer VIP as the next hop. Example:

    Network149.97.230.128/29
    Equinix VIP149.97.230.129
    Equinix PRI149.97.230.130
    Equinix SEC149.97.230.131
    Customer PRI149.97.230.132
    Customer SEC149.97.230.133
    Customer VIP149.97.230.134

What VRRP Layer 2 bridging do I need to provide?​

If you are migrating off legacy Juniper Layer 2 switches, you must provide the Layer 2 bridging with new circuits that are handed off on the UPF platform. (This only applies to port speeds of 1G and below, for example, copper, 100MTX.)

The USE devices are on the Nokia 7750 routers, which requires the customer to provide the Layer 2 bridging.

Prior to your turn-up call, you must ensure that you’ve made the necessary modifications to your existing configuration to support providing the Layer 2 bridging.

Are there any issues with migrations from copper to fiber?​

For migrations from copper to fiber, please be aware that Equinix does not provide SFPs. Instead, this is the responsibility of the customer.

Will renewals continue between now and the termination date?​

Yes, renewals will occur based on the terms of your contract.

Are any fees associated with this migration?​

No. There is no early termination fee for Equinix Connect, and there are no port installation fees for Equinix Internet Access.

What if I have questions?​

For questions or assistance with an order, contact your Equinix account team. To find account team information, visit My Equinix Contacts in the Customer Portal.