Switched Transport
Low-latency logical connection between two or more datacenters within the NL-ix network
Switched Transport is a great technology to connect two or more datacenters or connect multiple LANs over a WAN network. Organizations often use switched Transport technology to create a Transport network in order to connect multiple offices and/or datacenters.
One of the great use cases for switched Transport however is that it allows not to only connect your own networks together, but also allows to connect you with external parties, for instance a supplier, in order to exchange traffic over a shared VLAN. As NL-ix is datacenter neutral, the VLAN can be shared in between datacenters operated by different operators.
Switched Transport provides cost-effective managed capacity between two or more NL-ix datacenters with the resilience of automatic rerouting. As well as low latency, this highly flexible service offers extremely high availability due to the multiple backbone paths and fast re-routes built into the NL-ix interconnection fabric.
Switched Transport Topologies
Point-to-Point (tagged or untagged ports) is a direct connection between two ports in the network.
In case of a point-to-point topology, Switched Transport can be delivered over tagged as well as untagged ports. In case of using untagged ports, the services offers max transparency with unlimited MAC addresses, dot.1 Q-in-Q, mac-in-mac, MPLS and jumbo frames. However, in case of untagged ports, it is not possible to combine other services on the same port.
Point-to-Multipoint (tagged) connects a single location to multiple end-points. Every end-point is connected with it's own VLAN. A single port can be used for the central connection
Any-to-Any (LAN) topology connects multiple ports on a single VLAN. This allows easy communication between all ports on the VLAN. This topology is based on Metro Ethernet, which supports standard size ethernet packets with 1500 bytes ethernet packet payload, (and 14 bytes ethernet header plus 4 byte ethernet CRC trailer) which means that dot1.q trunking, Q-in-Q, jumbo frames and MPLS are not supported.
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When determining the backup location for your datacenter, are you guided by cost considerations, geographical factors, or perhaps rooted in historical decisions? Whatever the reason, given the paramount goal of ensuring business continuity, this article provides additional options for you to consider.
The importance of knowing where your data is hosted, and why you might want to reconsider your datacenter back-up location
Frequently asked Questions
How does it work with bandwidth?
Transport bundel is the name of the Switched Transport service that you will get. This bundel allows for as many VLANs as desired. This means that you simply pay for the bandwidth capacity without an incremental charge per VLAN.
The switched Transport bundel is available from 50Mbit up till 10Gbit bandwidth.
How many VLANs can I add
The NL-ix Transport bundles allow for as many VLANs as desired. This means that you simply pay for the bandwidth capacity without an incremental charge per VLAN.
Add VLAN to an existing switched Transport bundle/port
Please fill out the form here to request an additional VLAN to existing port(s).
What are the technical features of switched Transport?
Switched Transport can be delivered over tagged as well as untagged ports. In case of a point-to-point topology using untagged ports, the services offers max transparency with unlimited MAC addresses, dot.1 Q-in-Q, mac-in-mac, MPLS and jumbo frames.
Technical features
- Secure: delivers a completely private circuit where traffic cannot be seen by other customers or even NL-ix;
- Any distance: NL-ix hides the distance between endpoints and repeats the signal along the way if needed.
Flexible capacity
You can burst up to your maximum port speed without overbooking on pre-reserved capacity
Is it possible to add Transit and/or Peering to my Transport port?
Yes, it is possible to combine multiple services on one port. Combining Peering, (metered) Transit and layer 2 Transport services over a single port enables you to save on the monthly cost of patch cables and ports.
Note: In case you would like to combine multiple services on a single port - the port is required to be tagged!
What is the difference between switched Transport on a tagged or untagged port?
In case of a point-to-point topology, Switched Transport can be delivered over tagged as well as untagged ports.
Untagged port
In case of a point-to-point topology using untagged ports, the services offers max transparency with unlimited MAC addresses, dot.1 Q-in-Q, mac-in-mac, MPLS and jumbo frames. However, in case of an untagged port, it is not possible to combine other services on the same port.
Tagged port
In case a point-to multi-point architecture is required and/or in case you would like to combine multiple services on a single port, the port is required to be tagged.
At what datacenter locations can I get Transport?
NL-ix operates a purpose-built, resilient, pan-European Layer 2 Ethernet fabric, which interconnects around 100 datacenters in the most important European metropolitan markets. Switched Transport can be connected to ports at any point on the NL-ix fabric. As NL-ix operates a full-meshed network topology, your traffic will not be hair-pinned to other datacenters, therefore reducing latency and the amount of SPOFs.
NL-ix builds, manages and monitors the end-to-end connection for you, offering availability guarantees, and 24/7/365 NOC monitoring and support
What is the benefit of NL-ix being datacenter neutral?
NL-ix is datacenter neutral, and works with a wide variety of datacenter operators: Customers have the ability to choose, alter or consolidate their datacenter locations. NL-ix supports the relocation of all interconnection services from one datacenter location to another, simplifying the process and providing flexibility and execution power.
What happens after I have placed my order?
If you have placed an order at the NL-ix you will receive an 'order confirmation' mail. This mail contains the following important items:
- Order number;
- Product;
- Demarcation for the patch (if applicable);
- Interface and cable specifications;
- Port configuration;
- Contact details.
After the order confirmation has been send, the NL-ix provisioning team gets to work to deliver your order. When the order has been delivered, for normal products usually within 10 working days after the order confirmation, the provisioning team will send an ‘order delivery’ email. This email contains all details you need to setup your connection. The delivery date is aso the start date of invoicing.
You can find more information in Support
Use Case:
Virtual presence in major DC’s all over Europe
If you want to provide your services in locations you do not have a presence yet, you know extending your network, can be a costly affair. But if you want to grow your business, one of the things you need to do is to grow your coverage, extend your reach.
The distributed, resilient, stable and low-latency nature of the NL-ix platform is extremely well suited to distribute applications and services and gives you an immediate virtual presence and services provisioning capability in all major European datacenters. For a fraction of the costs it will take you to do it yourself.
Switched Transport are well suited to provide you with these capabilities. Our specialist can assist you making the right choice for you situation.