Point-to-point solutions remain a mainstay in the industry by virtue of their simplicity and consistently outstanding performance. The promise of Ethernet-based connectivity is becoming a reality although traditional circuits (e.g. T1, E1, DS-3, OC-3/STM-1, etc.) remain very common at 45Mbps and below.   Consistent with a specialty in low-latency communications, Trans World IX offers an excellent portfolio of point-to-point solutions. 

Ethernet and Traditional Private Lines

Network transmission equipment supporting native Ethernet interfaces combined with the growing availability of Ethernet in access networks is making it increasingly possible to provide point-to-point connectivity on a native Ethernet basis. Advantages of Ethernet include its finer granularity in bandwidth options, access and hardware components are often somewhat less costly than TDM, and Ethernet in the wide area network (WAN) makes for a smoother WAN/LAN transition. Note that some elements of the end-to-end Ethernet private line may be influenced or limited by features of the access network.

In context, traditional private lines are those based up the traditional circuit hierarchy. Advantages of traditional circuits include their near-universal availability in the access network and that they operate at the physical network layer (Layer1), so there are no conflicts between them and any higher layer.

Private Line Availability

Private Line Terms and Conditions Including Service Level Agreement

VLAN Connectivity

As commonly used, VLAN (Virtual LAN) Connectivity describes a Layer2, virtual path over a switched network - often intercity or internationally. VLANs are sometimes called tunnels or virtual private lines. The VLAN network interface is defined by specification IEEE 802.1q. VLANs are more economical than Ethernet or Traditional Private Lines, but tend to have more latency and jitter because of their underlying derivation from a switched network.On Trans World’s network, VLANs support: bursting, Q-in-Q (VLAN Stacking), and FE, GE and 10GE jumboframes. Note that local access may not support all of these features and in some locations a GE-based access loop may be more expensive than an FE-based one, even for the same bandwidth involved.

VLAN Terms and Conditions Including Specifications and Service Level Agreement

Similarly to coverage extension of private lines, Trans World relies upon partner networks to extend VLAN coverage to locations beyond its own network presence.

VLAN Availability

Wavelengths

• Ashburn and New York
• Ashburn and Chicago
• Chicago (350 E. Cermack) and Elk Grove Village, IL
• Los Angeles and San Jose

Sometimes “wavelength” is used to connote unprotected, point-to-point circuits, usually at or above1Gbps (including SDH/SONET circuits at these levels).  If this is your interest, please refer to the Ethernet and Traditional Private Line section above.