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Equinix Connect – End of Life

The end of life for Equinix Connect will occur on November 20, 2026, including these features:

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

The sale of Equinix Connect 100M ports, copper, and multi-mode fiber ended on December 31, 2021, and these interfaces are now approaching the end of their lifecycle. After November 20, 2026, Equinix will terminate all Equinix Connect services and remove the associated equipment. By transitioning customers to Equinix Internet Access, Equinix ensures the continued delivery of reliable and scalable internet services on a modern platform that offers enhanced features, expanded capacity, and improved stability.

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Internet Access 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.

Migrating from Equinix Connect to Internet Access​

Selected beta customers can now start their migration from Equinix Connect to Internet Access in the Customer Portal. Submit a migration request for a recommended Internet Access configuration based on your current Equinix Connect setup. You can review and adjust your migration request before submitting.

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Submitting creates the migration request for Equinix review. It does not immediately move live traffic, disconnect the existing Equinix Connect service, or perform the cut-over. Your current Equinix Connect service remains active while Equinix reviews, provisions, and coordinates the transition.

Choose the Service to Migrate​

  1. Sign in to the Customer Portal and navigate to Internet Access.

  2. Click Equinix Connect. The table lists your current Equinix Connect services.

  3. Validate the service name, location, bandwidth, and UUID before starting the transition to ensure you are working on the correct service. When you identify the Equinix Connect service you want to migrate, click Start Transition.

Review the Internet Access Configuration​

The portal generates a configuration based on your current Equinix Connect setup and maps it to the closest supported Internet Access configuration. Some information is pre-filled and may not be editable because it is derived from the existing service and the supported Internet Access product model.

Review the following fields carefully:

  • Location - Where the replacement Internet Access service will be delivered.
  • Connection Type - Whether the replacement service is Single or Dual.
  • Bandwidth - The recommended Internet Access bandwidth tier. If the bandwidth changes, for example from 95 Mbps to 100 Mbps, this usually means the Equinix Connect bandwidth tier is no longer offered and has been mapped to the nearest supported Internet Access tier.
  • Routing Protocol - The routing model, such as Static or BGP.
  • IP Address Version - Either IPv4 and/or IPv6.
  • Subnets - The customer IP subnets associated with the service.

If the configuration is acceptable, click Next.

Confirm the Port Configuration​

Provisioning Internet Access requires a new physical port. Equinix prepares the replacement Internet Access service on a new physical connection in your existing cage and cabinet rather than modifying the active Equinix Connect service in place.

Complete or confirm the port details:

  • Port Speed - Select the physical port speed for the new Internet Access service.
  • Location - Confirm the Equinix location where the service will be delivered.
  • Cage - Select the cage where the new connection should be provisioned.
  • Cabinet - Select the cabinet where the new connection should terminate.
  • Patch Panel - Select the patch panel, if required.
  • Connector Type - Select the applicable physical connector type.
  • Port A / Port B - Select the port details. For redundant or dual designs, more than one port may be required.

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Accurate physical port information allows Equinix to deliver the new Internet Access service to the correct location in your environment. Incorrect cage, cabinet, patch panel, connector, or port information can delay provisioning.

Click Next.

Review and Submit​

Review the following information before submitting your request:

  1. Review the migration details. The portal presents a side-by-side comparison of the current Equinix Connect service and the new Internet Access service. Updated items are highlighted in the summary. For example, if bandwidth is updated to a supported Internet Access tier, the new bandwidth value may be highlighted with a message indicating that the bandwidth has been updated to the new configuration.

  2. Review the Notification contacts. Your account is assigned as the primary technical contact. If another person in your organization should receive updates or coordinate the technical migration, use Assign a different technical contact drop-down to add a contact.

  3. Use the Additional Notes field to add any details, requirements, or constraints to your migration request.

  4. After reviewing the summary, contract information, notifications, and technical contact, click Submit Migration Request.

Submitting the request sends the migration request to the Equinix Migration Team for review. It does not immediately migrate or interrupt the service. Equinix will review the submitted information, confirm details if required, and coordinate the next steps with your organization.

Next Steps​

After submission, the expected process is:

  • Equinix reviews the submitted migration request and validates the recommended Internet Access configuration and physical port details. If clarification is required, Equinix contacts the provided technical contact.

  • Equinix provisions the new Internet Access service, typically in a passive state. The existing Equinix Connect service typically remains active while the replacement Internet Access service is being provisioned. This approach allows Equinix and the customer to prepare the target service before the planned cut-over.

  • Your technical contact and Equinix agree on a planned cut-over window. During the scheduled cut-over, production traffic is moved from Equinix Connect to Internet Access. Traffic and IP usage are switched to Internet Access.

  • After successful validation, the legacy Equinix Connect service is retired.

If your organization has multiple Equinix Connect services, repeat the process for the relevant service instances.

Ordering a New Internet Access Service​

If you do not need to migrate your Equinix Connect setup to Internet Access, you can place an order for a new Internet Access service. You can activate the new service immediately, then terminate your Equinix Connect service at any time before November 20, 2026.

  1. Order New Internet Access Service

    • Order Internet Access 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. Internet Access can be ordered as a virtual connection within an existing Fabric port. The virtual Internet Access service can coexist with other virtual connections on the same Fabric port. For information on ordering Internet Access over Fabric, see Ordering Internet Access.

    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 Internet Access 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 Equinix Connect asset you want to terminate.
    • For Preferred Termination Date, choose a date no later than November 20, 2026.
    • Complete the form and click Submit.

FAQs​

What is changing, and when?​

The End of Life for Equinix Connect, including copper and MMF media, will be November 20, 2026.

Customers can migrate any time before November 20, 2026. We highly recommend that customers migrate service to Internet Access as soon as possible.

Customers can migrate themselves (by ordering Internet Access online and canceling Equinix Connect), 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 to maintain internet service.

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

When migrating to the new Internet Access 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 Internet Access 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.

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

November 20, 2026. We highly recommend that customers migrate service to Internet Access as soon as possible.

What alternatives are available?​

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

If you have a Fabric port, you can order Internet Access as a virtual connection within that Fabric port. The virtual Internet Access 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 Equinix Connect Additional IP Allocation product affected by the End of Life?​

No, Equinix Connect 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 Equinix Connect Additional IP Allocation. When you order your replacement Equinix Internet Access service, new IP addresses will be provided using the Equinix Connect Additional IP Allocation product.

Will my IP addresses stay the same?​

When you submit a migration request, the recommended Internet Access configuration may include the same customer subnets currently used on Equinix Connect. The migration is designed to preserve continuity where supported, but the exact outcome depends on your current setup and the supported target Internet Access configuration.

What About BGP?​

If your service uses BGP, then an ASN is required for Internet Access. You have two possible ASN models:

  • Your own public ASN - best if your organization already has a registered ASN and wants to keep its own routing identity. Use your own public ASN if:

    • You already own a registered ASN.
    • You want your network to have its own public routing identity.
    • You need more control over routing policy.

  • An Equinix-provided private ASN - best if you need BGP but do not need your own public routing identity. Use an Equinix private ASN if:

    • You want the simplest onboarding path.
    • You only need BGP for the EIA service.
    • You do not need your ASN to appear as your public internet identity.

If you already use a public ASN in production, onboarding that ASN is usually the cleanest approach. If you do not, an Equinix private ASN is usually simpler.

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.

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