Trying to explain the relationship between core interconnection and Meet Me Room services is like trying to explain the relevance of a cotter pin to an automobile. Yes, it is a rather small part in the grand scheme, but without it the wheels would come flying off. For the enterprise network operator it is a question of whether they know it, or not. Those that do not know what a core network interconnection point is, or what it does, are probably using carriers or buying services from providers that house their core network gear in them today and for that the enterprise is paying more than they have to for the access. The reality is that IP packets, video and/or voice services are most likely already routing through carrier Meet Me facilities. Benefits from managing those resources more efficiently can be significant.

The enterprise network operators that do know about core interconnection and Meet Me facilities may have already established their own network node in at least one or more of these sites, or have plans to in the near future. Those that have can expect decreased provisioning times for all new service types, increased quality and dramatic savings on the access (local loop) portion of the network in the 80% range. Yes, 80%.

Only two things stand between the enterprise network and this promise land: the need and awareness. The need is based on a threshold issue. Does the enterprise have enough traffic (data and voice) to justify the presence in a Meet Me facility? If so, do they have the staff to create a Meet Me project and install it? Some enterprises are content with buying more and more disparate access circuits which cost incredibly more than the alternative and actually have less redundancy. If that’s the case and you are one of them then this is not for you. Most businesses today are trying to reduce costs and improve processes. If that is you then read on.

The awareness components are rather simple and can come in many ways such as the possibility of a better network design, what it looks like and who is doing it. It’s the timing of enlightenment that is the key - the sooner the better. Awareness is usually most effective when it comes from a trusted source; a friend, colleague, or publication like this. Although it is effective, learning from a competitor who is doing it before you is probably not the best thing because they may be at a slight competitive advantage, but you may be able to learn from their mistakes.

In the learning process it helps to know that others have gone before you and succeeded, and a real-life case study can be very effective. Suppose there is a service provider selling LAN transit. It’s the company that sells your LAN traffic on a per megabit basis. When you send files from one server in your office to another in the same office you’re using the “office Internet” and it costs you $X/Mb. When you make VoIP calls from one extension to another on the LAN they charge you a per-minute fee.

This is not a very good situation and it doesn’t make any sense. Paying for one-off local loops to Internet Service Providers, domestic and international transport, VoIP/voice providers and any other type of service provider that doesn’t physically sit in the phone closet or data center is just as inappropriate. When a company needs to add a new printer on the LAN they do it. When the IT department needs to turn up a new VoIP phone they do it. Why should getting a connection to a new network be any different?

Go direct. Go to where the networks are and establish your own network presence there. Extend out to your closest core interconnection point and install a router, Ethernet switch, or even a VoIP switch. Connect that device over a transport circuit back to your office LAN. You now have a new node on your WAN that has boosted the utility of your LAN exponentially. Instead of being in your office phone closet or data room with access to only a handful of carriers, you can be in a secure, 24x7x365 facility that has direct access to hundreds of networks. Gain more control of your network and reduce your overall costs in the process.

So, in fact not all networks are the same. Some are much better off than others. Which one is yours? Having a better network that costs less to operate is not as difficult as might be thought. Many are already doing it. Determine if your needs fit the profile and then seek out the core interconnection and Meet Me facility in your neighborhood. You’ll be glad you did.

Hunter Newby, Chief Strategy Officer, The telx Group;

212-480-3300; email: hnewby@telx.com; web: www.telx.com. Ilissa Miller, Director Marketing Communications and Public Relations, The telx Group;

212-480-3300; email: ilissa@telx.com; web: www.telx.com.