The London Internet Exchange (LINX) have increased network port capacity at their UK regional interconnection facility, LINX Scotland, to offer 100G connections, following member demand.
LINX Scotland was launched in 2013 and is currently located at two sites, Pulsant data centre in South Gyle near Edinburgh, and DataVita Fortis in Airdrie, close to Glasgow. The platform offers interconnectivity services delivering cost effective, more resilient, and secure ways for networks to transfer data between each other in Scotland.
Inga Turner, Interconnection Account Manager for LINX says;
“We are pleased to announce that following recent upgrades at LINX Scotland we are now provisioning our first 100G member there, rural broadband providers Voneus.”
Already home to some of the largest content delivery networks and ISPs (Internet Services Providers), LINX Scotland was set up to enhance the UK’s internet infrastructure with the aim of keeping traffic local.
The LINX sites are interconnected by two diversely routed links. With the peering LAN running Ethernet Automatic Protection Switching (EAPS) to ensure fast failover should one of the links fail. LINX Scotland is not connected back to the LINX dual network in London as the mission is to keep Scottish traffic in Scotland.
Joe Jefford, Network Engineer for LINX says;
“The equipment we had in Scotland was only 1G and 10G capable. We have now installed a Juniper MX240 on the LAN to provide the 100G connection for our new member, as a temporary solution. We will monitor the demand for 100G in Scotland and further upgrades will then be planned for the network.”
This upgrade in Scotland mirrors the solution initially put in place at LINX’s peering platform in Manchester which now has grown to a 17 x 100G port facility and counting.
The Scottish Government released a strategic document last year that focuses on how the country plans to evolve and thrive in a digital world. LINX continue to support the digital footprint in Scotland as they work alongside local organisations like Host in Scotland in this journey.
To find out more or to connect your network to LINX Scotland reach out to the LINX team at sales@linx.net