Uniting Networks. Igniting the Internet. LINX is able to offer members the ability to connect to the LON1 exchange using a private VLAN (pVLAN). Using a pVLAN service allows the member port to be split into different sub interfaces. Members may choose to use pVLAN so they can access services directly from other members also connected to the exchange. The port can still be used for peering. Greater Port Utilisation Peering fosters a spirit of community, LINX members cooperate and trust each other with their network traffic, and as result everyone benefits, from fast, robust, low cost and efficient internet services. This spirit of cooperation extends beyond peering, and many members also access each other’s services using direct interconnects. In order to consume each other’s services members, have to be aware of each other’s capabilities, and have to build a business case to justify the cost of the interconnect. Usually this limits the member cooperation for other services to members who are based in the same datacenter and have good community knowledge. A member will connect to a service providing member using a cross connect provided by the data centre. By creating a private VLAN over the LINX port the member can connect to the service providing member, using the same port as their peering port. They can connect to several different service providing members using the same port reducing the number of cross connects needed and hence costs. Connecting to multiple services over the same port also frees up ports on line cards thus providing improved ROI on infrastructure costs. Increased Value In addition, members now have access to service providing members at any LINX location as they are able to use the LINX network infrastructure to reach these members. Access to more service providers gives the member more choice of supplier and the speed with which pVLAN services can be provisioned and deprovisioned allows members to take the services for short periods, giving members the ability to test different suppliers, or access a service for a short term to support specific projects. Reduced infrastructure costs lowers the entry cost for members who are consuming each others services. This benefits both members. Service providing members see increased consumption with no increase in technical overhead and members consuming the services are able to do so at lower volumes and therefore have more choice and flexibility when building their customer solutiuons. LINX Private VLAN Service Private VLAN, also known as port isolation, is a technique in computer networking where a VLAN contains switch ports that are restricted such that they can only communicate with a given “uplink” Summary of Benefits The Private VLAN service offers LINX members the following benefits: • Increased utlisation on port • Reduced number of cross connects • Access to additional services • Use of the LINX network • Fewer ports used on line card • Increased choice of supplier • Additional services easily accessed for short periods. DSpVLANA4 v1 1018 Telehouse Interxion Equinix Members can use the LINX network Member Port Member Port IX Member A Member A Member B Member B pVLAN 1 pVLAN 1 pVLAN 2 pVLAN 2 Peering Peering Difference between ConneXions partner and pVLAN