Connecting to providers Enabled by Megaport Marketplace with ServiceFabric#

ServiceFabric makes it easy to provision fast, secure, and private connections between your data center, cloud, and edge locations to [Profile]. Using our Service Directory you can connect using a single connections or achieve more resilience using multiple virtual connections.

How it works#

Our providers have established physical network connections at several DCs (PoPs). These PoPs reside within facilities operated by co-located data centers where ServiceFabric is enabled. Service Directory allows you to connect to these provider endpoints to consume their services. This is achieved by purchasing virtual connections from your ports in ServiceFabric to the selected provider. Virtual connections can be ordered at speed tiers up to the maximum capacity available. Some providers are marked as Megaport Enabled, which means these partners are part of the Megaport Marketplace. Thanks to our tightly integrated networks, ServiceFabric customers can easily connect to these providers as if they were located in a Digital Realty facility.

Availability#
Provider Enabled Regions#

Customers can interconnect to a provider via ServiceFabric across any market where the provider has connectivity.

Creating a connection#

You can create a connection to a provider in one of the following ways:

  • Via Service Directory – Request a connection to the Provider directly from the Service Directory listing.

  • Via a service key – In some cases the provider may want a more controlled connect experience. In those instances, a service key can be used. Provider will create the key and provide it to you. The service key is unique to your business and includes any settings required by [Profile] such as VLAN ID, speed, and expiration.

Note: Contact Provider to determine which option is more appropriate. You can find contact information on the Service Directory company profile.

Service Directory#

If an automated connection is offered by the Provider, you can begin by selecting a location from the Service Directory listing for this provider. Upon submission, the Provider is notified via email and can accept or deny the request.

There are two methods for connecting to a Service Directory provider. You can visit the Service Directory by clicking the Service Directory menu item in the navigation pane or when creating a Link.

Via Service Directory#
  • In the ServiceFabric Portal https://ServiceFabric.DigitalRealty.com, go to the Service Directory page and search for the service you want to use.
  • Open the provider and select the service you wish to use.
  • Scroll to the bottom and select a port at a location where you need service.
  • Select your A-Side port from the ports you have available.
  • Preferred A-End VLAN (optional) - Specify an unused VLAN ID for this connection. This must be a unique VLAN ID on this port and can range from 2 to 4093.
  • The Service Directory service you have chosen has already been selected as your Z-Side attachment type.
  • Choose a speed for your service from the options offered and click Next to continue.
  • Specify the connection details:
  • Name - The name of your link to be shown in the ServiceFabric Portal(https://portal.ServiceFabric.com).
  • Description - The description of your new link.

  • PO Number (optional) - Enter a purchase order number required to appear on the bill.

  • Review the services and click Submit.

  • In the ServiceFabric Portal https://ServiceFabric.DigitalRealty.com, Click Create Link to begin.
  • Select your A-Side port from the ports you have available.
  • Preferred A-End VLAN (optional) - Specify an unused VLAN ID for this connection. This must be a unique VLAN ID on this port and can range from 2 to 4093.
  • Select Service Directory as your Z-Side attachment type.
  • Search for your desired provider and choose the service from the dropdown of options offered.
  • Select a port from their list you wish to use.
  • Choose a speed for your service from the options offered and click Next to continue.
  • Specify the connection details:
  • Name - The name of your link to be shown in the ServiceFabric Portal(https://portal.ServiceFabric.com).
  • Description - The description of your new link.

  • PO Number (optional) - Enter a purchase order number required to appear on the bill.

  • Review the services and click Submit.

Approvals#

Once you submit your request, the Provider is notified by email and can accept or deny it. Until your request has been approved by the Provider, it appears in Inventory but is marked Pending Third Party Approval. Once approved by the Provider, the state will change to Active.

Note: Billing for this service begins as soon as you submit your request, not upon approval by the Provider. Please coordinate with the Provider for status regarding this request.

Creating a connection using a service key#

The final way you can connect to another Service Directory provider is by using a Service Key. A Service Key is a method for a customer to grant access to their port and specify any VLANs or speed tiers offered. After you get your unique service key from the Provider, create your link to the Provider by selecting Create a Link in the ServiceFabric Portal.

Changes to an existing connection#

You can make changes to an existing the Provider connection from the link details page. To make changes, open Inventory and select the link to the provider to view or edit the details.