fbpx

Limelight Networks Colocates with 123NET

Apr 15, 2021

Southfield, MI – April 15, 2021 – 123.Net Inc. (123NET), a Michigan colocation and network services provider, connects with Limelight Networks, Inc., a leading provider of content delivery network and edge cloud services, to distribute Limelight’s online content closer to end users in the Michigan market.

Today’s launch comes when global streaming and viewer traffic is at their highest historical point due to the impact of the pandemic. Streaming services saw a 47% increase in subscriptions and 16% increase in video consumption due to the increased number of people studying, working, and shopping from home.

As a result of the dramatic increase in streaming, this is a welcomed announcement for Michiganders who use the digital services. The new point-of-presence at 123NET’s facilities enable Limelight Networks to establish servers hosting high-demand content closer to the end-user’s customers in the state, which effectively reduces the distance and the inherent delay in delivering rich content such as live sports and gaming.

Limelight has spent the last 20 years, building a large global network to deliver high performance and assist consumers in streaming videos and digital content. Initially entering the edge computing market in 2018, the content delivery network anticipates that this market represents an important area of growth. To assist with regional expansion, 123NET provides secure and compliant data center services, complete with cross-connect and high-performance computing options.

Limelight Networks Interconnection Manager Matthew Johnson said this is consistent with their geographic strategy of partnering with premier network service partners closer to their end-users.

“Our decision-making focuses on bringing proximity, capacity, and quality to end-users and connectivity into consideration. We chose 123NET because of its strategic Michigan location with a large composite of major networks.”

Matt Johnson, Limelight Networks Interconnection Manager

Noah Lessaris, Strategic Accounts at 123NET, views the data centers as the best way for 123NET to assist in expanding Limelight’s content audience.

“Our facilities are the best connected in Michigan, and that advantage makes it possible to work with Limelight Networks. This growth into our market adds momentum to our mission of improving connectivity for Michigan communities and businesses.”

Noah Lessaris, 123NET Strategic Accounts

Limelight Networks is the newest member to connect to the Detroit Internet Exchange (DET-iX) and its 55+ peering partners. 123NET is also home to the DET-iX, the 9th largest internet exchange in North America.

ABOUT 123NET

123NET is a Michigan-based Internet Service Provider (ISP) focused on equipping businesses with an industry-leading data center, network and voice services. Over a dozen Fortune 500 companies and thousands of Michigan businesses trust 123NET to provide them with world-class connectivity. Home of the Detroit Internet Exchange (DET-iX), 123NET operates one of the largest carrier-neutral data centers and peers with technology leaders such as Google, AWS, GM and others.

OUR MISSION:

BUILDING NETWORK TO MAKE MICHIGAN COMMUNITIES AND BUSINESSES THE BEST CONNECTED ON THE PLANET.

May Mobility Selects 123NET Data Center

Apr 6, 2021

Southfield, MI – April 6, 2021 – 123.Net Inc. (123NET), Michigan’s best-connected colocation and fiber network provider, has been selected by Ann Arbor based May Mobility, an autonomous mobility company, to provide data center and connectivity services.  

Founded in 2017, May Mobility develops autonomous vehicle systems and operates cutting-edge autonomous shuttles with self-driving technology primarily for use in urban environments. It currently operates shuttles in the U.S. and Japan and has completed more than 270,000 passenger rides. 

“May Mobility has network and data needs similar to any high-tech engineering company,” said Ryan Duda, 123NET’s chief technology officer. “123NET’s deep experience serving automotive companies, including major OEMs and suppliers, made our company an obvious choice for them.” 

“May Mobility is pioneering autonomous tech in both lab and real-world settings, an endeavor that puts an absolute premium on connectivity, capability and reliability. 123NET is proud to support May Mobility as it continues to develop the future of autonomous vehicles.”

Ryan Duda,123NET Chief Technology Officer

Traditionally, enterprise networks are built over an extended time with a blend of both conventional and modernized systems. As a rapidly growing start-up in the high-tech sector, May Mobility had the unique task of designing a highly scalable, complex enterprise network from scratch and on a tight timetable. To put the amount of data in perspective, each shuttle is generating more data in one hour than the average US household uses in a month. May Mobility has seen a 400% increase in data generated per hour compared to a year ago, with that figure expected to grow as the company incorporates new technologies into its stack to collect insights for autonomy and municipalities. 

“At May Mobility, our manufacturing and fleet operations are dependent on moving and processing petabytes of data, backed by extremely high-speed, reliable connectivity,” said Daniel Marks, May Mobility’s network team lead on the project. “We’re working with 123NET to help meet this challenge as we continue to deploy our autonomous vehicles in more cities around the country. Our ultimate goal is to leverage this technology to help in creating a safer, greener, more accessible world.” 

123NET’s ‘Connectivity Hub’ Network strategy is proving to be a differentiator with software, engineering, and manufacturing companies like May Mobility. 123NET leverages its highly developed network of interconnections and peering relationships to create a ‘future-proof’ system capable of meeting ever-changing industry needs. The Connectivity Hub is further backed by 123NET’s close affiliation with the Detroit Internet Exchange (DET-iX), a carrier-neutral exchange housed within 123NET’s headquarters that connects with more than 40 global carriers including many of the world’s best known and highest trafficked networks.  

“The connected and autonomous vehicle sector recognizes that one of its greatest challenges is exchanging and housing massive amounts of data gathered through an increasingly connected world,” said Noah Lessaris, Strategic Accounts at 123NET. “A core tenet of 123NET’s strategy is to provide a technological backbone for Michigan businesses, so we’re pleased to work with May Mobility and apply our Connectivity Hub strategy on behalf of this forward-thinking, next-generation and socially-responsible mobility company.”  

As part of this agreement, May Mobility also benefits from 123NET’s local infrastructure and 24/7/365 hands-on network operations center professionals.  

ABOUT MAY MOBILITY

May Mobility is a leader in autonomous vehicle technology development and deployment. With more than 270,000 autonomous rides to date, May Mobility is committed to delivering safe, efficient, and sustainable shuttle solutions designed to complement today’s public transportation options. The company’s ultimate goal is to realize a world where self-driving systems make transportation more accessible and reliable, the roads safer, and encourage better land use in order to foster more green, vibrant, and livable spaces. For more information, visit maymobility.com.

ABOUT 123NET

123NET is a Michigan-based Internet Service Provider (ISP) focused on equipping businesses with an industry-leading data center, network and voice services. Over a dozen Fortune 500 companies and thousands of Michigan businesses trust 123NET to provide them with world-class connectivity. Home of the Detroit Internet Exchange (DET-iX), 123NET operates one of the largest carrier-neutral data centers and peers with technology leaders such as Google, AWS, GM and others.

OUR MISSION:

BUILDING NETWORK TO MAKE MICHIGAN COMMUNITIES AND BUSINESSES THE BEST CONNECTED ON THE PLANET.

Customer Spotlight – Baker College

Mar 4, 2021

Customer:

Baker College

Services:

123NET Data Center & Network Services

Industry:

Education

Number of Employees:

1,500+

At-a-Glance:

Founded in 1911, Baker College is Michigan’s largest private not-for-profit college while also being the state’s top private transfer school. They also have multiple campuses across the state offering 70+ degree programs while also providing an online global campus with 40+ academic program options for undergraduate and graduate degrees. Baker College strives to cultivate an environment that encourages positive action, critical thought along with providing the knowledge that students need to improve their lives and careers. 

Challenge:

Baker College had multiple service problems that they were looking to resolve. First, they needed to solidify their infrastructure and move to a managed data center. Second, Baker College was receiving subpar service from a national ISP and needed a reliable cost-effective service provider. Last year accelerated Baker College’s need to integrate new technologies that would allow their teams, faculty, and students to work collaboratively.

Solution:

123NET provided Baker College with seven multipoint fiber connections along with redundant high-speed internet back to a carrier neutral data center. Baker College also joined the Detroit Internet Exchange to create a faster user experience for their campuses across Michigan.

Results:

Upgrading Baker College’s network configuration with 123NET’s Services allowed the college to have faster, more reliable connectivity to their campuses at a cost-effective price. With a managed colocation solution, Baker College can store their data and infrastructure at 123NET’s Data Center, benefiting from full physical security, redundancy, and scalability options. Their new network structure has given each campus the means to support high-load traffic in addition to network continuity for their global campus and remote learning. 

When compared with our previous national provider, 123NET has met or exceeded our expectations in every area with one major difference—their level of personalized customer support is beyond anything we’ve experienced with other service providers.

Scott Wood

Sr. Director of Infrastructure Security & Support , Baker College

Breaking Up with Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)

Dec 17, 2020

Slow internet, downtime, high costs or support are issues that lead companies to switch providers. Deciding to leave can be challenging, but the process does not have to be. If your current provider cannot support everyday business needs, this may be the time to consider a new alternative.

Before looking at a new internet provider, it is best to review existing services and determine if your ISP is fulfilling current and future business needs. At this time, companies consider increasing their bandwidth, adding a redundant connection, or reviewing failover solutions.

Steps for Transitioning:

STEP 1: Understand Your Current Contract

Knowing your contract end date is important, but the best time to start your research is while you are still contracted. Best case practices recommend businesses start their research 6-9 months before the contract end date to avoid hefty month-to-month or early-termination fees.

STEP 2: Installation Checklist

Setting your new installation service date will help determine when to end services with your old Internet Service Provider (ISP). Your business will need to determine:

  • Onsite Contacts
  • DNS Record Updates
  • Location of New Service Provider Equipment
  • Updates to Internal Network Cabling
  • Firewall/Router Upgrades
  • Notify Employees of Change
  • Impact on Current Software

STEP 3: New ISP Turn-Up

The best time to migrate your ISP is away from peak business time. Your internal staff or IT consultant should be made available to assist with the transfer of services.

STEP 4: Cut the Connection

You will have to determine when the best time is to end old services, to help ensure business continuity, both ISPs should remain active until the migration is complete. Before canceling, coordinate with your old provider the best way to return any equipment.

123NET’s team of dedicated professionals assists businesses with transitioning and upgrading to high-speed fiber and fixed wireless solutions.

Learn more about 123NET’s Dedicated Internet.

Discover more about the 7 Essential Considerations for Choosing ISPs.

ABOUT 123NET 

123NET is a Michigan-based Internet Service Provider (ISP) focused on equipping businesses with an industry-leading data center, network and voice services. Over a dozen Fortune 500 companies and thousands of Michigan businesses trust 123NET to provide them with world-class connectivity. Home of the Detroit Internet Exchange (DET-iX), 123NET operates one of the largest carrier-neutral data centers and peers with technology leaders such as Google, AWS, GM and others. 

 

OUR MISSION: BUILDING NETWORK TO MAKE MICHIGAN COMMUNITIES & BUSINESSES THE BEST CONNECTED ON THE PLANET.

MGCB Approves 123NET as Gaming Vendor

Nov 10, 2020

SOUTHFIELD, MI., Tuesday, November 10, 2020 – The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has approved 123.Net Inc. (123NET), a Michigan data center and network services provider, as a registered vendor. Subject to certain requirements, this approval authorizes online gaming operators to host their servers in 123NET Data Centers.

The MGCB, founded in November 1996, oversees casino gaming licensing, regulation, and operations in the State of Michigan. It also regulates gaming equipment manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers. 

As technologies and services have changed in the industry, so have guidelines and regulations. Sports betting and iGaming operations were legalized in Michigan in November 2019 by the State Legislature, being one of the first states to permit the services in the United States. The MGCB authorized onsite sports betting for the Detroit-based casinos, beginning March 11, 2020, with Mt. Pleasant’s Soaring Eagle and other Michigan casinos to follow. Rulemaking for online gaming is in progress and expected to be published in early 2021. 

Unlike the traditional model of strictly brick and mortar gaming, the new iGaming industry segment has added online and on-demand capabilities generating new requirements and challenges for both operators and vendors. iGaming operators’ plans call for selection and deployment in strategic edge facilities that are highly secure and connected with 24/7/365 on-site support. 123NET Data Centers fulfill compliancy and performance criteria designed to provide the best user experience for Michigan participants.  

MGCB Executive Director Richard Kalm said the partnership between casinos and iGaming vendors helped streamline the process. 

 “The casinos and their suppliers helped us by their timely efforts to share information we needed to authorize the [online] gaming,” Kalm said. “This new gaming opportunity has been highly anticipated, and we hope citizens will enjoy it and see benefits from additional revenue to both the state of Michigan and the city of Detroit.” 

Noah Lessaris, 123NET Strategic Accounts, has helped lead the efforts in the segment and is welcoming the online gaming industry into the 123NET Data Centers.  

“Like many applications used by Michiganders, our team finds it rewarding that user’s infrastructure as well as gameplay applications will be supported by our Network and Data Centers,” Lessaris said. “It’s a big boost to Michigan sports fans as Big Ten Football is getting started along with additional collegiate fall and winter sports.” 

ABOUT 123NET  

123NET is a Michigan-based Internet Service Provider (ISP) focused on equipping businesses with an industry-leading data center, network and voice services. Over a dozen Fortune 500 companies and thousands of Michigan businesses trust 123NET to provide them with world-class connectivity. As home of the Detroit Internet Exchange (DET-iX), 123NET operates one of the largest carrier-neutral data centers, peering with technology leaders such as Google, AWS, GM and others.  

OUR MISSION:   

BUILDING NETWORK TO MAKE MICHIGAN COMMUNITIES AND BUSINESSES THE BEST CONNECTED ON THE PLANET. 

 

The Importance of Redundancy

Sep 2, 2020

What is Internet Redundancy?

Internet redundancy is a method of determining available internet connectivity in case of path failure or unavailability. If a primary internet connection fails, the secondary takes over, ensuring your business stays up and running. 

Why is Internet Redundancy Important?

Without internet redundancy, it doesn’t take much for a disrupted network; it just needs a single point of failure. Can your business afford to be out for a few days, hours, or even seconds? During the time of an outage, financial losses and missed opportunities can occur, as well as possible tarnishing of a reputation. Your company can suffer from direct, indirect, and opportunity costs.

Different Ways to Achieve Internet Redundancy

Internet redundancy can be achieved by having service with separate internet providers, utilizing different transports and/or technology:

1. Multiple Transit Provider:

Calculate the best path to the requested internet destination with Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), commonly used for provider redundancy. 

2. Separate Transports:

Utilize two different transport solutions (fixed wireless, fiber), where the company can use the same internet service provider (ISP) for multiple services. 

3. Software Failover – SD-WAN:

Steer internet traffic on separate links through three different features of SD-WAN. 

  • DYNAMIC MULTI-PATH OPTIMIZATION (DMPO): Allow managed performance thresholds for different traffic types with dynamic path selection, ensuring critical applications and data transfers always use the best path based on the loss, latency and jitter. 
  • POLICY-BASED ROUTING (PBR): Enable administrators to assign traffic to a virtual private network (VPN) based on criteria such as traffic protocol, source, destination or application. 
  • DUAL ACTIVE VPN UPLINKS: Have multiple VPN tunnels simultaneously active, where traffic can be load balanced across tunnels to make optimal available bandwidth use.

4. Hardware Failover:

Eliminate network outages with high availability configurations. Remediate network issues that could be potentially harmful to your network through using different pieces of hardware.

Common Internet Redundancy Implementation Mistakes

Service Does Not Fit Their Business Needs:

Many businesses desiring a backup network connection seek cheaper and less robust options than their primary one. If the primary connection fails, the secondary connection will not be able to sufficiently support the network demand. In the event of significant network downtime, will your business be able to operate efficiently?

Service is Not Truly Redundant:

Some businesses have their primary and secondary service traverses the same path. In the event of a path failure, the primary and secondary internet service becomes unavailable

About 123NET

123NET is a Michigan-based Internet Service Provider (ISP) focused on equipping businesses with an industry-leading data center, network and voice services. Over a dozen Fortune 500 companies and thousands of Michigan businesses trust 123NET to provide them with world-class connectivity. Home of the Detroit Internet Exchange (DET-iX), 123NET operates one of the largest carrier-neutral data centers and peers with technology leaders such as Google, AWS, GM and others.

OUR MISSION:

BUILDING NETWORK TO MAKE MICHIGAN COMMUNITIES & BUSINESSES THE BEST CONNECTED ON THE PLANET.