What Does “Cross Connect” Mean in Data Center?

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 have a hard time understanding all the connectivity options out there. Colocation data center providers, such as Volico, have various connectivity options allowing 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 it can be achieved through cross-connections. But what are cross-connections?

Cross-connections are hardware (cables, cords, and jumpers) that connect separate units of the facilities 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 running directly from one server to another. They are maintained by a single data center or across multiple data centers and can be used for many purposes:

•       Trading companies may use hundreds of cross-connections between servers to ensure trades are made as quickly as possible.
•       Cloud providers use cross-connects to connect networks and Internet services providers (ISPs) within the same building – often for a single company.
•       Some companies use cross-connects to make sure their business is connected to global networks so they can take advantage of redundancy and pricing.

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 telecom networks from bandwidth providers. Cross-connections help network administrators control and use a broad range of network assets. Here are some of the benefits of using cross-connection.

Reduced latency

The time it takes for data to be transferred from one end of the network to another and back again can be a real issue with poor network performance. Many organizations have problems because of the increased latency that delays data transfer. One way that colocation providers such as Volico solve the issue is through cross-connection for reduced latency.

Cross-connects are used to increase performance, 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 out fiber optic as a fast internet connection alternative. However, fiber optics is heavily impacted by the laws of physics, and even cable management can affect performance on fiber optic-based connections.

With the increase in data demands, cross connect data centers have become the go-to solution to avoid distance problems that might cause increased latency. If both customer and client servers are located in the data center environment, through cross-connection, the data would only have to travel a short distance.

Improved Security

Cross connections are also a valuable resource for minimizing data loss and promoting disaster recovery when emergencies happen. Not only that it provides a solution for reduced latency, but again, you have a more secure data transfer through cross-connections since no valuable data is being transferred through the public network. Even though data in transit is encrypted, there is still a chance that it might be intercepted or compromised when traveling public networks. When transferring any data through a public network, it is susceptible to cyberattacks, but with a cross-connection, that issue is removed.

For example, if a hybrid or multi-cloud solution is implemented with a cross-connection between the cloud vendor service and the customer private network, the 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 potential for assets to be compromised.

Reliability

Server downtime can be a real issue for companies that rely heavily on their server to work 24x7x365. The financial losses due to downtime can be very high, even if the servers shut down for just a few seconds. Even if you decide to focus on cloud provider SLA, there are still quite a few variables that come to play when determining network connections’ reliability. There are quite a few potential failure points, and when you need a system that is as reliable as possible, you can’t afford any compromises.

Cross-connections drastically reduce the potential for failure since now only network strong points need to be accounted for. If the data center cross-connect directly to the cloud service provider is possible, this eliminates potential complications that might arise when customers try to access the vendor’s network. If system availability and performance is an essential need for your company, then cross connection becomes a valuable solution for your problems.

How does Cross Connect Support Interconnection Requirements?

Connecting with the right companies and having the right partners is crucial to success. Many companies purchase multiple connections, and it is essential to have a data center provider that offers rich connectivity options. This allows companies to enhance their services and create a reliable IT infrastructure that will give them a competitive advantage. Having the flexibility to choose who you partner with for the required services is also a great benefit to companies. Carrier-neutral data centers offer this kind of service.

Carrier-neutral data centers are data centers that allow businesses to expand their reach without increasing cost. They do this by acting as a neutral third party (they don’t compete with the businesses who use their services – and usually don’t offer competing service packages). Carrier-neutral data centers are of great benefit to companies because the company has the ability to contract with the service provider of its choice directly.

Data center interconnection uses multiple (at least two) data centers for the company’s information needs. 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 types of connection are called POP – Point of Presence and MMR – Meet-Me-Room.

With colocation providers that use multiple data centers, they can host numerous company servers. With interconnectivity and cross connectivity between the data centers, other service providers, or companies, your business will gain a significant advantage from having a system that is reliable, scalable, and secure.

Types of Cross Connects Available  

Cross Connects are available in a variety of formats:

•       Fiber
•       COAX
•       CAT5/6
•       T1
•       Copper
•       POTS

Conclusion

Thanks to the evolution of technology, storing massive amounts of data and transferring it quickly from one location to another is no longer unattainable. Data center providers managed to take things one step further by creating a reliable environment where customers could store their servers in a secure facility, with proper storage, cooling, and power to support any IT infrastructure.

Furthermore, colocation provider has improved their services over the years, and by implementing new technology, they were able to create the most reliable and scalable environment possible. Now, customers can use cross-connectivity to improve data transfer, secure sensitive data, and create reliable network connectivity that is going to help them improve their services and products.

Colocation providers such as Volico have the ability to provide lightning-fast cross-connections, which are an attractive solution for any company that wants to utilize multiple service providers and improve their performance.

Contact Volico to learn where carrier-neutral data centers are available and what cross-connection services can be used

If your company wants to expand its connections, please call Volico at 888-865-4261 and speak with one of our representatives. We can advise you on the benefits of cross-connects, explain what packages can be purchased, and review where and how these cross-connects can maximize your business’ be purchased, and examine where and how these cross-connects can maximize your business’s efficiency.

Ready to See How Volico Data Centers Can Help You?

Got questions? Want to talk specifics? That’s what we’re here for. Have one of our friendly experts contact you to begin the conversation. Discover how Volico can help you with your cross Connect Data Center needs.

•  Call: 888 865 4261
•  Chat with a member of our team to discuss which solution best fits your needs.