Hey everyone, I was thinking about using cogent as one of our backbone providers since their 100mbs connection is so cheap. Im just wondering what the hell the catch is and how others have thought of their services? Im sure this question has been asked a bajillion times but I just registered and searched cogent and couldnt find too much recent feedback.

If you could list how long you have used them for, how many times they have gone down, how they have honored their SLA(service legal agreement), and how reliable their support has been I would appritiate it! Thanks in advance.:D

------------------------------
Chase
http://www.tricksoft.net

I think the main concerns with the are not the uptime of the connection but the speed/quality, and the long term stability of the company. I dont think the actual uptime on the lines is too bad from what I've gathered.

-Brendan

Ya that was the main thing I was concerned about. However they said they dont over subscribe? :confused:

HRBrendan,
How much faster do you want to go than 100mbps ? I mean there is an oc-3 but what do you mean by speed? And also you mention quality of the line? I dont follow you there, can you elaborate?

Please explain what you mean by speed/quality of cogent. Thanks. :confused:

Cogent is by far an excellent backbone. However, I do recommend having more than one (a redundant connection) from different networks in case they decide to get clogged.

Well we obviously were going to go with multiple backbones but I am desiding whether to go with sprint as our main with a DS-3 or using cogent as our main source and getting a channelized T3 with a few T1 lines to start. Anyone used cogent for awhile and how reliable they have been?

Cogent isn't a backbone. Cogent owns some transit but has to rely on a LOT of peering.

Matt

Are there such things as cogent resellers where a better deal can be obtained through them? I realize the great deal and price for the service but saving a buck is key these days.

Also does anyone know if there are any limitations as far as where cogent can be pumped into...Data center wise....How is redundancy handled if something should happen to cogent access?

Cogent seems to be the best deal considering most 45mbs connections like a clear channel DS-3 run 5k a month. and their 100mbs connection is only 2-3k for resellers

Please tell me where to get a DS-3 for 5k a month. The cheapest we have found is 12k..... (with local loop)

Originally posted by tricksoft
Hey everyone, I was thinking about using cogent as one of our backbone providers since their 100mbs connection is so cheap. Im just wondering what the hell the catch is and how others have thought of their services? Im sure this question has been asked a bajillion times but I just registered and searched cogent and couldnt find too much recent feedback.

If you could list how long you have used them for, how many times they have gone down, how they have honored their SLA(service legal agreement), and how reliable their support has been I would appritiate it! Thanks in advance.:D

------------------------------
Chase
http://www.tricksoft.net

No catch, their latency can be higher then others, but aside from that, they're a normal, everyday provider that people badmouth due to pricing, little more. They need a little more peering but they've been actively acquiring it for some time through various acquisitions, and their financial future is better then quite a few expected, and higher then a lot of other providers *cough*worldcom*cough*. I wouldn't rely on their support (i wasn't thrilled with some of the reactions i've gotten) and never tried to bring their SLA into play as we've had well over 99.99% uptime, but i can't really complain either.

I think it was XO and global crossing offerin full t3s with loop under $5k might be a few more.

porcupine, thanks for the feedback. The other thing i didnt ask was their financial future and you responded with that..thanks.

NP, thats most peoples defenses.

The opinions of cogent over the past 6 months has changed drastically, and 6 months ago, the biggest thing you heard was "well yea, but i would take uunet/worldcom over cogent anyday, they'll be around in 6 months", well its 6 months later, cogent is on top, uunet is going under pretty fast, etc.

If you're looking for a get rich quick scheme opening up a cogent based operation, its not worth it, if you have an existing business and wish to move or bgp into cogent, then i would highly recommend it. Most of the people who bash cogent are people who sell their "high quality transfer" and simply can't get cogent due to location, and need something else to give their subscribers a reason to pay their obviously higher fee's.

Yeah Cogent has been great. I have a Demarc from them for 6 months and it's pretty good.