Even though connectivity is one of the most
basic and at the same time one of the most critical components in a data center, many of us struggle to understand all the connectivity options out there. Colocation data center providers, such as Volico, have several connectivity options that allow customers to enhance their services.
Network performance is crucial for many organizations that want to provide the best customer services and help their employees with a fast and reliable network. Improving network connection is always a great addition to your IT infrastructure, and can be achieved through cross-connections. But what are cross-connections?
Cross-connections are hardware (cables, cables, and jumpers) that connect separate on-premises units within a data center. A cross-connection can be viewed as a direct point-to-point connection between two hardware assets in a data center. Cross-connections usually consist of a physical cable that goes directly from one server to another. They are maintained by a single data center or in multiple data centers
and can be used for many purposes:
- Commercial companies can use hundreds of cross-connections between servers to ensure operations are performed as quickly as possible
- Internet Service Providers (ISPs) within the same building, often for a single company
- Some companies use cross-connections to make sure their business is connected to global networks so they can take advantage of redundancy and pricing.
. Cloud providers use cross-connections to connect networks and
.
The benefits of using
Cross Connect
There are many reasons why Cross Connect can provide an advantage to colocation customers. They are not susceptible to congestion issues, and cross-connections are reliable and operate at high speeds. This type of connectivity also provides a cheaper alternative to conventional telecommunications networks from bandwidth providers. Cross-connections help network administrators control and use a wide range of network assets. Here are some of the benefits of using cross-connect.
Reduced latency
The time it takes for data to be transferred from one end of the network to another and vice versa can be a real problem with poor network performance. Many organizations struggle due to increased latency that delays data transfer. One way colocation providers like Volico solve the problem is through cross-connection to reduce latency.
Cross-connections are used to increase throughput, decrease latency (the time it takes to transmit information), and improve traffic flow management. They can provide a more consistent and reliable experience than internet-based connections. Many of you might point to fiber optics as a fast alternative to connecting to the Internet. However, fiber optics are greatly affected by the laws of physics, and even cable management can affect performance in fiber-based connections.
With increasing data demands, cross-connected data centers have become the solution to avoid distance issues that could cause higher latency. If both the customer’s and customer’s servers are in the data center environment, through cross-connection, the data would only have to travel a short distance.
Enhanced security
Cross-connections are also a valuable resource for minimizing data loss and promoting disaster recovery when emergencies occur. Not only does it provide a solution to reduce latency, but again, you have more secure data transfer over cross-connections, as valuable data is not transferred over the public network. Even though data in transit is encrypted, there is still a chance that it will be intercepted or compromised when it travels over public networks. By transferring any data over a public network, it is susceptible to cyber attacks, but with a cross-connection, that problem is eliminated.
For example, if a hybrid or multi-cloud solution is deployed with a cross-connection between the cloud provider’s service and the customer’s private network, data exposure can be drastically limited. With cross-connection, sensitive data can remain safe behind the protection of a private network until it is ready to be accessed. Therefore, cross-connections reduce the chance of assets being compromised.
Server
downtime can be a real problem for businesses that rely heavily on their server to work 24x7x365. Financial losses due to downtime can be very high, even if servers are shut down for just a few seconds. Even if you decide to focus on the cloud provider’s SLA, there are still quite a few variables that come into play when determining the reliability of network connections. There are quite a few potential points of failure, and when you need a system that’s as reliable as possible, you can’t afford any compromise.
Cross-connections drastically reduce the potential for failure, as now only the strengths of the network need to be taken into account. If cross-connecting the data center directly to the cloud service provider is possible, this eliminates the potential complications that can arise when customers try to access the provider’s network. If system availability and performance are an essential need for your business, then cross-connecting becomes a valuable solution to your problems.
How does Cross Connect support interconnection requirements?
Connecting with the right companies and having the right partners is crucial to success. Many businesses purchase multiple connections, and it’s essential to have a data center provider that offers rich connectivity options. This allows companies to improve their services and create a reliable IT infrastructure that will give them a competitive advantage. Having the flexibility to choose who to partner with for the required services is also a huge benefit for businesses. Neutral data centers offer this type of service.
Carrier-neutral data centers are data centers that allow companies to expand their reach without increasing cost. They do this by acting as a neutral third party (they do not compete with the companies that use their services, and generally do not offer competing service packages). Neutral data centers are of great benefit to businesses because the company has the ability to contract directly with the service provider of their choice.
Data center interconnection uses multiple (at least two) data centers for the information needs of the enterprise. These data centers must be connected to share their resources and exchange information. Most data centers are connected through a virtual private network (VPN). Other connection types are called POP – Point of Presence and MMR – Meet-Me-Room.
With colocation providers using multiple data centers, they can host numerous company servers. With interconnectivity and cross-connectivity between data centers, other service providers or enterprises, your company will gain a significant advantage by having a reliable, scalable and secure system.
Types
of Cross Connects available
Cross Connects are available in a variety of formats:
- COAX
- CAT5/6
- T1
- Fiber Copper
- POTS
Conclusion
Thanks to
the evolution of technology, storing massive amounts of data and transferring it quickly from one place to another is no longer unattainable. Data center providers managed to take things a step further by creating a reliable environment where customers could store their servers in a secure facility, with adequate storage, cooling, and power to support any IT infrastructure.
In addition, the
colocation provider has improved its services over the years, and by implementing new technologies, they were able to create the most reliable and scalable environment possible. Customers can now use cross-connectivity to improve data transfer, protect sensitive data, and create reliable network connectivity that will help them improve their services and products.
Colocation providers
like Volico have the ability to provide ultra-fast cross-connections, which are an attractive solution for any company that wants to use multiple service providers and improve their performance.
Contact Volico to find out where carrier-neutral data centers are available and what cross-connect services can be used
If your business would like to expand your connections, call Volico at 888-865-4261 and speak with one of our representatives. We can advise you on the benefits of cross-connections, explain what packages can be purchased and review where and how these cross-connections can maximize the purchase of your business, and examine where and how these cross-connections can maximize the efficiency of your business.
Ready to see how Volico data centers can help you?
Have questions? Want to talk about details? That’s what we’re here for. Have one of our friendly experts contact you to start the conversation. Find out how Volico can help you with your Cross Connect data center needs.
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Call: 888 865 4261 • Chat with a member of our team to discuss which solution best suits your needs.
