What Is Data Center Interconnect?
Data Center Interconnect (DCI) refers to the physical high capacity subsurface fiber links between two or more data center facilities—enabling fast, secure transfer of information between locations. These connections are the foundation for real-time failover, replication, hybrid cloud applications, and distributed computing architectures.
With Crosstown Fiber, DCI isn’t a one-size-fits-all product. Each route is designed around your performance needs, site constraints, and long-term growth plans—backed by fully subsurface deployment and fiber expertise.
How Crosstown Delivers DCI Solutions
Our approach combines precise engineering, flexible routing, and resilient construction to ensure the continuity your applications demand.
Network Planning & Route Modeling
We evaluate your facilities and available interconnection points, then design optimized paths that minimize latency and avoid known conflict zones (e.g., utility congestion, bridge crossings, flood-prone areas).
Diverse Path Design
Whenever possible, we create physically diverse routes—separating fiber paths geographically to ensure true redundancy. This is critical for applications requiring uninterrupted uptime.
Construction & Deployment
All DCI builds are fully underground and constructed using new, high-quality materials. We leverage boring, trenching, or micro-trenching methods suited to your route’s environment—ensuring durability without unnecessary surface disruption.
Testing, Documentation & Handoff
Upon completion, each strand is tested for signal integrity (OTDR + light source testing) and mapped so you have a complete picture of your infrastructure investment.
Why Underground Fiber Matters in DCI
Data center links are some of the most sensitive and mission-critical infrastructure on any network. Deploying fiber underground—rather than aerially—significantly improves reliability by eliminating many common points of failure.
Common risks of aerial DCI routes:
- Weather-related outages (ice, wind, lightning)
- Wildlife interference (e.g., rodents damaging exposed cable)
- Shared infrastructure with other carriers or providers
By contrast, Crosstown’s underground DCI routes are:
- Physically protected by conduit and vaults
- Privately engineered for your unique endpoints
- Less congested thanks to careful route planning and dedicated capacit
Key Benefits of Crosstown DCI
Low Latency, High Reliability
We prioritize efficient routes—minimizing hops, hand-offs, and physical distance between sites.
Full Path Diversity Available
We offer multiple route options wherever feasible, helping organizations build true geographic redundancy into their architecture.
100% Subsurface Deployment
Every DCI route is constructed underground for long-term resilience and reduced exposure to surface-level disruption.
Built with Growth in Mind
Our designs include spare conduit and scalable architecture to accommodate future network expansion
Owned, Operated & Supported
As the developer and operator of the infrastructure, Crosstown maintains full visibility and control—ensuring fast response times and reliable support.
Use Cases for DCI
Crosstown DCI is ideal for organizations that depend on secure, high-performance inter-site communication, including:
Cloud / AI, Peering Exchange & Colocation Providers:
Maintain resilient pathways between data centers or connect directly to client facilities for hybrid deployments.
Enterprises with Multiple Sites:
Link headquarters, data centers, and disaster recovery sites with dedicated fiber—eliminating reliance on shared third-party bandwidth.
Financial & Trading Firms:
Low-latency routing supports real-time data replication and high-frequency trading infrastructure.
Healthcare & Research Institutions:
Synchronize large data sets—like imaging or genomic research—across regional campuses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Crosstown provide diverse paths between the same two data centers?
Where feasible, yes. Our team can design and build geographically diverse routes that avoid shared ducts, poles, or entry points—reducing the risk of a single incident disrupting both connections.
Is DCI only available between major data centers?
No. We can design DCI solutions between any facilities you operate—whether they’re enterprise campuses, colocation spaces, or edge sites—provided construction is feasible along the desired route.