Cross Connects

Overview

Cross Connects are physical network cable connections that link your equipment at a GridColo site to carrier networks, internet service providers, or other customers within the same facility. These are dedicated physical connections that provide direct connectivity without going through shared infrastructure, offering better performance, security, and reliability than shared network services. Cross connects are essential for organizations that need direct connections to specific carriers, want to establish private network links, or require connections to other customers in the same data center. Each cross connect is a site-specific physical installation, meaning the cable runs within a single GridColo facility to connect your equipment to the target endpoint.

Features

• View Cross Connect Circuits: See all cross connect circuits for your organization, organized by GridColo site (read-only view of existing circuits)
• Cross Connect Status: View the status of each cross connect (active, pending installation, decommissioned) to understand connectivity state
• Cable Path Diagrams: View visual representations of cable paths showing how connections are routed through the facility
• Connection Details: See detailed information about each cross connect including:
  • Endpoints (A-side connects to your equipment, B-side connects to carrier or other customer)
  • Cable IDs for tracking and identification
  • Patch panel port assignments showing physical connection points
  • Circuit status and provisioning information

Cross Connect Authorizations

Cross connect authorizations are pre-approvals that allow you to order cross connects to specific endpoints. These authorizations are typically required before you can place an order, ensuring that you have permission to connect to the intended destination. Authorizations help streamline the ordering process and provide documentation of your right to establish connections. You'll need to create an authorization for each type of cross connect you want to order, and these authorizations can be used for multiple orders if needed.

• View Authorizations: See all cross connect authorizations for your organization, showing which connections are authorized
• Create Authorization: Create new cross connect authorization requests with endpoint and purpose information
• Cancel Authorization: Cancel pending authorizations if your connectivity needs change
• Download LOA: Download Letter of Authorization documents for your records and carrier requirements

Ordering Cross Connects

Ordering a cross connect requires first having an active authorization for the type of connection you want to establish. The ordering process guides you through selecting the specific endpoints (A-side and B-side) and confirming the connection details. Once ordered, GridColo will provision the physical cable installation at the specified site, which typically involves running cable through the facility's cable management system to connect your equipment location to the destination endpoint.

• Verify Authorization: Verify that you have an active authorization for the cross connect type you want to order
• Select Endpoints: Choose A-side (your equipment location) and B-side (carrier or customer endpoint) connection points
• Confirm Order: Review and confirm cross connect order details including cable specifications and routing
• Submit Order: Submit the cross connect order for provisioning and physical installation

Access Level

Read-Only for Existing Circuits: You can view cross connect details but cannot modify existing circuits through the portal. This ensures the integrity of active connections and prevents accidental changes that could disrupt service. New cross connects must be ordered through the authorization and ordering workflow, which includes proper approval processes and ensures accurate documentation of all physical connections at each site.