Equinix has officially rolled out its new multi-carrier environment for the exchange of data traffic between providers of Ethernet services. The Equinix Carrier Ethernet Exchange enables carriers to translate between different carrier Ethernet offerings to ensure transparent service by providing an interconnection technical specification. The service complies with Metro Ethernet Forum standards.
The Equinix Carrier Ethernet Exchange, which was first announced in October 2009 as a service development program, bridges Ethernet connectivity between 24 participants, including AboveNet, BroadbandONE, Easynet Global Services, euNetworks, Exponential-e, Hibernia Atlantic, RCN Metro Optical Networks, Internet Solutions, KPN International, Level 3 Communications, PacketExchange, PCCW Global, Reliance Globalcom, SSE Telecoms, TeraGate AG, Tinet and Virgin Media Business.
The service is rolling out to five metros including the Los Angeles, New York, Silicon Valley, Chicago and London metro regions, and is expected to expand to 14 other metro regions throughout the next year.
During the development phase, Equinix conducted more than 200 unique tests across seven different regions with 24 program participants, demonstrating the efficacy of the testing program and the long-term commercial viability of the service.
In addition to the technical platform, Equinix provides access to an ecosystem of potential content and technical partners.
“This launch is an important milestone for Equinix and for the Ethernet services industry in general,” said Jarrett Appleby, CMO, Equinix. “While the Ethernet market has been growing at a breakneck pace, the full potential has yet to be realized because carriers have been limited to the geographic areas where their networks are deployed. Our offering immediately removes that fundamental barrier, enabling carriers to deliver consistent, scalable Ethernet services across multiple borders around the world simultaneously.”http://equinix.com
- In October 2009, Equinix confirmed that its Carrier Ethernet Exchange platform would use Alcatel-Lucent’s service router portfolio. At the time, the companies said the Carrier Ethernet Exchange platform would enable multi-provider interconnection based on Metro Ethernet Forum standards. The partners were also reviewing a variety of solutions including Ethernet Network to Network Interconnection (NNI) and additional services that leverage the density and breadth of networks operating within Equinix’s centers.
