Data center provider Equinix is using Ciena’s networking systems to create a virtual cross connect in order to speed up the performance of its elastic cloud services.

Equinix asked Ciena to install an on-demand virtual network so that it would be easier for the service provider to set up high-speed, high-capacity network resources.

The on-demand networks will extend across the US, EMEA and APAC.

The rationale is to allow Equinix customers to benefit from the full original promise of cloud services, so they can ramp up resources of computing power and network bandwidth the instant they need it.

Equinix’s on-demand services will be supported by a programmable software defined networking (SDN) system, which uses Ciena’s Optical virtual private network and network functions virtualization technologies, in addition to Ciena’s WaveLogic processors.

According to Equinix’s CTO Ihab Tarazi data centers need to be faster if they are to realize the full potential of the cloud. 

“Many Equinix customers are looking for the ability to expand their networks globally and they require high-speed connections within a metro, or globally, between our IBX data centers,” Tarazi said.

The new kit from Ciena, he said, will give customers the dynamic and automated interface they need to access the hundreds of network and cloud service providers inside its data centers.

Ciena’s SVP of the global products group Francois Locoh-Donou said a video service provider can now create high-speed connections to stream the world cup final in low-latency, high definition video, then decommission the connection the minute the event is over.

“Enterprises and service providers today need on-demand networking and data centers, Equinix are in an excellent position to capitalize on this industry shift,” Locou-Donou said.