Short answer
FirstNet colocation is carrier-neutral. You can take FirstNet dedicated internet access, MPLS or SD-WAN links straight into your rack, or order cross-connects to other carriers, fibre providers and service partners on site, with FirstNet arranging the ordering and installation.
In detail
The main options:
- FirstNet internet, MPLS or SD-WAN: links into your rack that connect colocated equipment to the internet or your offices
- Cross-connects: direct links to other carriers, fibre providers and partner services present on site
- NAPAfrica: peering through the internet exchange at Teraco Isando
- Cloud on-ramps: private, low-latency connections such as Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute and AWS Direct Connect from Teraco facilities
- Diverse fibre paths: multiple carriers into the sites, so a single carrier failure need not cut you off
This makes colocation a useful hybrid cloud landing zone or network hub, for example hosting core routers or SD-WAN gateways that connect your branches to cloud services. Colocated equipment at FirstNet Durban can also interconnect directly with FirstNet's private cloud and network.
Lead times for cross-connects and cloud on-ramps depend on the site and type of interconnect, so FirstNet confirms them during solution design. Tell FirstNet which providers you need and how many cross-connects you expect now and in 6 to 12 months.
Source: FirstNet Colocation Services service page →
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