What is Carrier Neutral?
A data center facility owned by an operator that does not sell network transit, allowing tenants to connect to multiple competing carriers and internet service providers.
A carrier-neutral data center is a facility owned and operated by a company that does not also provide telecommunication or internet transit services. This neutrality allows the facility to host multiple competing carriers, internet service providers (ISPs), and content delivery networks (CDNs) on equal terms. The operator's business model is based on leasing space, power, and cooling, not on selling connectivity.
Carriers connect into the facility via a meet-me room (MMR), where they terminate their fiber and network equipment. Tenants of the data center can then purchase cross-connects to one or more carriers, typically at competitive wholesale rates. This setup encourages a diverse mix of providers, giving tenants choice and redundancy for their bandwidth needs. The carrier-neutral model contrasts with carrier-owned data centers, where the landlord may favor its own network services.
In the broader internet infrastructure landscape, carrier-neutral facilities are key interconnection hubs. They are often used by content providers, cloud platforms, and enterprises seeking to peer directly with multiple networks. Internet exchange points (IXPs) are frequently hosted within these facilities. The model has proven particularly popular in major metropolitan areas, where it reduces latency and last-mile costs for tenants.
Key facts
- Owner does not sell network transit or telecommunication services.
- Multiple competing carriers can co-locate within the same facility.
- Tenants connect to carriers via cross-connects in a meet-me room.
- Encourages competitive pricing and redundancy for connectivity.
- Often host internet exchange points and cloud on-ramps.
Related terms
References
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