Visiting Our Customer Equinix

“Equinix is the global company for digital infrastructure. EQUality, Neutrality, and Internet eXchange” – Equinix. 

Opternus had the rare opportunity to conduct an on-site interview directly inside one of Equinix’s data center and witness live how splicing and measurement technologies are used in everyday operations. 

This collaboration spans many years and begins with the introduction of advanced fiber splicing solutions that remain indispensable in today’s data centers. Employees require specialized know-how to meet Equinix’s high standards and minimize the financial risks associated with downtime. 
Statistics show that 60% of all data center outages result in costs exceeding USD 100,000; nearly 20% even reach one million. 

Nevertheless, Equinix achieves an utpime of over 99.999%, a figure attainable only through flawless quality management. To maintain this standard, Opternus and Equinix have jointly developed training programs covering fiber optics fundamentals and advanced techniques. 

Operating a data center is complex—beyond power supply and cooling, it involves measurement technology from the physical layer to the validation of data rates and transmission quality. 

• Tier-1 Testing: New links are first measured from both ends using EXFO’s MaxTester 945 with automated guidance to check attenuation and compliance with standards. 
• Connector Inspection: If a link fails the test, connector inspection is performed using the EXFO FIP-500. Multi-fiber connectors such as MPO, SN, or LC-D are evaluated fully automatically.
• Tier-2 testing: Single-ended OTDR measurements precisely locate macrobends, breaks, or poor connectors; EXFO software shortens test times on short links with numerous events. 
• Protocol testing:  EXFO testers with iOptics check data rates and bit error rates, qualifying transceivers internally—a major advantage over external verification. 

Even with intuitive user interfaces, measurement technology remains demanding; therefore, Opternus, together with EXFO specialists, trains on-site staff for applications ranging from 1G to 400G. 

The conclusion is clear: it is not only the product that matters, but the complete package—the right technology, sound consulting, and practical training.