Connections Overview
Megaport lets you connect to the services you need, when you need them. The process is simple and fast, and involves these basic steps:
- Create a Port, Megaport Cloud Router (MCR), or Megaport Virtual Edge (MVE).
- Deploy Virtual Cross Connects (VXCs).
- Use the VXCs to connect to services on the Megaport network.
VXCs are Layer 2 Ethernet circuits providing private, flexible, and on-demand connections between any of the locations on the Megaport network with 1 Mbps to 10 Gbps of capacity. Connections of up to 20 Gbps are also available between 100 Gbps Ports within the same metro. You can specify any speed within these limits in increments of 1 Mbps.
VXC rate limits
The maximum VXC rate limit is set by the lowest speed at each end (it cannot exceed the speed of the physical interface on which it resides).
- Port and MCR – The VXC rate limit cannot exceed the speed of the Port or MCR. This limit also applies to LAGs. For example, a 15 Gbps VXC is allowed on a 100 Gbps Port, but not on a 2 x 10 Gbps LAG.
- MVE – The maximum rate limit of a standard or Transit VXC is 10 Gbps. You can adjust the speed as needed after you create the VXC, in increments of 1 Mbps.
Creating a VXC
After you configure a Port, you can create VXCs to connect to services on the Megaport network. A VXC is a private point-to-point Ethernet connection between your A-End Port and a B-End destination (CSPs, Ports, Megaport Marketplace services, or IX).
Note
For CSP and Private VXCs, when the A-End and B-End are in the same data center location, we recommend matching the Port, MCR, or MVE diversity zone color to the B-End diversity zone color. For example, A-End to B-End is recommended to be Red to Red or Blue to Blue.
To deploy a VXC
- In the Megaport Portal, go to the Services page and select the Port you want to use.
If you haven’t already created a Port, see Creating a Port. -
Click +Connection.
For CSPs and IX, you can click the tile as a shortcut.
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Choose your destination type.
- CSPs – Connectivity to global cloud providers, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. For details on connecting to CSPs, see Cloud Connectivity.
- Private VXCs – Connectivity between two locations for a single organization or service provider, traditionally called data center backhaul or Data Center Interconnect (DCI). You can use private VXCs as a core network backbone, or for connecting production and disaster recovery (DR) data centers. For more information on creating private VXCs, see Creating a Private VXC.
- Megaport Marketplace – Connectivity between two different customers located in any of the Megaport Points of Presence (POPs). The Megaport Marketplace connects service providers to enterprise customers while removing the boundaries around physical location. For details on the Megaport Marketplace, see Megaport Marketplace Overview.
- Internet Exchanges (IXs) – Megaport owns and operates a series of local internet peering exchanges in many global markets. IXs provide greater efficiency between networks and allow for traffic to be exchanged directly, reducing bandwidth usage on your Internet connections. For details on IX, see Internet Exchange Overview or AMS-IX Connectivity.
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Step through the procedures to configure your VXC.
The procedures will vary slightly depending on your destination type. - Add the VXC to your order and configure further VXCs or proceed through the checkout process.
To edit a VXC
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Click the gear icon next to the connection in the Megaport Portal to make changes.
You can modify the details on the Megaport side including the connection name, rate limit, VLAN ID, and invoice reference. Once submitted, those changes take effect in a few minutes.