Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : Colocation and Data Centers : What are Cross-Connects?

[ThomasC]

Hello.

Subject says it all
What are Cross-Connects?

Regards,
Thomas Currie

[Papa Smurff]

Typically referrs to a length of cable (Coax cable, CatX cable, Fiber cable, etc..) that connects you to a provider or network. The map would look like:
You -> cross-conect -> provider/network

Similar to a patch cord used by the old telephone switchboard operators. They would use a short piece of cable to connect or "patch" the caller through to the receiver.
Thus the term "cross-connect".

Uh, best example I could think of unless someone has a better one...

[Cisco_CCIE]

Uh, best example I could think of unless someone has a better one...

How about another billing point...We're going to charge you xyz per month to string this cable across the room.

[ThomasC]

Thank you

Regards,
Thomas Currie

[Papa Smurff]

Originally posted by Cisco_CCIE
How about another billing point...We're going to charge you xyz per month to string this cable across the room.

Yeah, what a joke. Charge me $$$ each month for a short piece of cable that doesn't even have bandwidth on it.

[torwill]

probably a dumb question, but where are 'cross-connect' used?

i saw some colo provider with plan 'cross-connect xx mbps'.. what does this mean?

thanks!

[ClusterMania]

It's nothing but cable going from their switch across the room to your switch.

[astutiumRob]

yup, generally a cat5 cable connecting one location to another - be it transit supplier to your rack, building a to building b, rack on floor 1 to rack on floor 2 etc.

[RackMy.com]

Some providers also consider "cross-connects" to be connetions direct to the equipment. Also called port fees, etc.

[dogzilla]

Well its really depends on the context. Basically its a connection from A - B.

Unless its within the same room/building - its not likely to just be a length of cable - normally it will be connected to the nearest switch - and a vlan setup between the two end points.