1. Overview
RegPEX, as a carrier-neutral IX, offers members three connection models. Each model addresses different technical and commercial requirements. Members may switch between models or use multiple models simultaneously.
2. Model 1 — Direct Cross-Connect
2.1 Definition
A physical fibre connection (cross-connect) between the member's own equipment (router or switch) and RegPEX's peering switch, installed within the data centre. This is RegPEX's most robust and permanent connection model.
2.2 Suitable Use Cases
- Members with colocation or rack space at one of the RegPEX POP locations
- Members requiring high traffic capacity or low latency
- Members seeking long-term, guaranteed connectivity
2.3 Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Port types | 1 GE, 10 GE, 100 GE |
| Transceiver | 1000BASE-LX / 10GBASE-LR / 100GBASE-LR4 (single-mode fibre) |
| Connector | LC (1GE/10GE), MPO (100GE) |
| MTU | 1500 bytes (standard); 9000 bytes on request |
| VLAN | Untagged (access mode); 802.1Q-tagged frames not accepted |
| MAC limit | 1 MAC per port |
| SLA — Uptime | 99.95% |
| Latency (same POP) | < 1 ms |
2.4 Provisioning Process
- Membership application is completed
- RegPEX assigns port and peering IP
- Member orders cross-connect from the data centre operator (LoA provided by RegPEX)
- BGP configuration is completed once the physical link is in place
- Connectivity test and go-live
2.5 Member Obligations
- Pays cross-connect installation and monthly recurring charges directly to the data centre operator
- Ensures equipment is physically present at the POP
- Notifies RegPEX NOC of planned maintenance at least 72 hours in advance
2.6 RegPEX Obligations
- Maintains the peering switch port in active, monitored state
- Guarantees 99.95% uptime SLA
- Applies standard SLA credit policy in case of outage
3. Model 2 — Carrier VLAN (L2 Extension)
3.1 Definition
A model in which the member is not physically present at a RegPEX POP but connects to the RegPEX peering VLAN at Layer 2 via a third-party carrier (ISP, metro Ethernet operator, MPLS provider, etc.) that has access to that location.
3.2 Suitable Use Cases
- Members near a RegPEX POP but not in the same building
- Members wishing to extend fibre or metro Ethernet from their own colocation to a RegPEX POP
- Members purchasing a ready-made "IX handoff" service from a carrier
3.3 Carrier Requirements
- The carrier must be able to extend the RegPEX peering VLAN (VLAN 100) to the member's location (L2 extension)
- Delivery must be untagged or single VLAN-tagged (for QinQ-capable carriers, inner tag must be untagged)
- Carrier link MTU must be at least 1504 bytes (VLAN tag + Ethernet overhead + payload)
- The carrier is not required to be on an approved RegPEX partner list, but must meet technical requirements
3.4 Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Interface (RegPEX side) | 10 GE or 100 GE (shared or dedicated) |
| Interface (member side) | Carrier-dependent; typically 1 GE / 10 GE |
| MTU | 1500 bytes (end-to-end guarantee depends on carrier) |
| VLAN | Coordinated with carrier; delivered untagged at member end |
| MAC limit | 1 MAC per port |
| SLA — Uptime | 99.5% (RegPEX fabric only; transport SLA is carrier's responsibility) |
| Latency | Carrier-dependent; no guarantee from RegPEX |
3.5 Liability Boundaries
- RegPEX guarantees only the peering fabric and its own switch port.
- RegPEX bears no responsibility for outages, latency, or packet loss on the carrier link.
- In the event of a fault, the member must first contact their carrier, then notify RegPEX NOC.
3.6 Provisioning Process
- Member selects "Carrier VLAN" model in the membership application and provides carrier details
- RegPEX coordinates with the carrier for technical acceptance
- VLAN configuration and end-to-end testing are completed
- BGP configuration and go-live
3.7 Carrier Change
If a member wishes to change carrier, RegPEX NOC must be notified at least 5 business days in advance. Where possible, both carriers should be active simultaneously to minimise disruption.
4. Model 3 — Remote Peering (GRE Tunnel)
4.1 Definition
A model in which the member has no physical presence at any RegPEX POP and connects to the RegPEX peering fabric via a GRE tunnel over their own internet connection to the RegPEX Remote Peering Gateway (RPG).
4.2 Purpose and Scope
Remote Peering is designed for the following scenarios:
- Network operators wishing to quickly start or test connectivity with RegPEX
- Small to medium-sized networks where traffic volume does not yet justify a physical connection
- Transitional use before migrating to a permanent physical connection
Important: Remote Peering is not designed as a permanent connection model. As traffic grows, or after a maximum of 6 months, members are expected to migrate to Model 1 or Model 2.
4.3 Free Trial Period
RegPEX offers approved Remote Peering members a 1-month free trial upon activation.
- The trial period begins on the date the tunnel is activated.
- The trial period counts towards the 6-month maximum.
- All technical requirements and usage rules apply in full during the trial.
- At the end of the trial, the member may proceed to a paid subscription or terminate the connection. If no notification is given, the connection is automatically terminated.
4.4 Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Protocol | GRE (RFC 2784) |
| Encryption | Optional GRE-over-IPsec (on request) |
| Tunnel MTU | 1476 bytes (GRE overhead: 24 bytes) |
| Capacity limit | 1 Gbps (95th percentile) |
| Rate limiting | Hard limit — traffic above 1 Gbps is policed |
| MAC limit | 1 MAC per tunnel |
| SLA — Uptime | 99.0% (RPG and peering fabric only) |
| Latency | No guarantee — dependent on transport quality |
| IPv6 | Supported (over GRE tunnel) |
4.5 Tunnel Requirements
Member side:
- GRE-capable router (Cisco IOS/XE, Juniper Junos, MikroTik, Linux iproute2, FRRouting, etc.)
- Fixed, publicly routable IPv4 address (GRE endpoint)
- Tunnel MTU must be configured at 1476 bytes or lower
- Transport connection: minimum 100 Mbps (reliable, low-loss connection recommended)
Prohibited uses:
- Reselling or sub-leasing the GRE tunnel to third parties
- Carrying transit traffic over the tunnel
- Changing the tunnel endpoint IP address without notifying RegPEX
- Using more than one MAC address (without approval)
4.6 SLA and Liability
| Metric | Physical Connection | Remote Peering (GRE) |
|---|---|---|
| Uptime guarantee | 99.95% | 99.0% (RPG only) |
| Transport responsibility | RegPEX | Member |
| Latency guarantee | < 1 ms (same POP) | None |
| SLA credit | Standard | RPG-caused outages only |
| Support priority | Standard | Low (physical connections prioritised) |
4.7 Duration Limit and Migration Obligation
- Remote Peering may be used for a maximum of 6 months (including the free trial period).
- At the end of month 6, the member must choose one of the following:
- Continue with Model 1 (Cross-Connect) or Model 2 (Carrier VLAN)
- Withdraw from membership
- RegPEX will send a written migration notice at month 4.
- In exceptional circumstances (natural disaster, POP access restrictions, etc.), RegPEX may grant an extension of up to 3 months.
4.8 Application and Provisioning Process
- Member selects "Remote Peering (GRE)" in the membership application
- Member's GRE endpoint public IP address and preferred POP are provided
- RegPEX reviews and approves the application
- Upon approval, RegPEX provides RPG parameters (RPG IP, tunnel key, peering IP)
- Member configures the GRE tunnel on their router
- Connectivity test (ping, MTU check) is performed
- BGP configuration and go-live — 1-month free trial begins
5. Model Comparison
| Feature | Cross-Connect | Carrier VLAN | Remote Peering (GRE) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical presence required | Yes | No | No |
| Capacity | 1G / 10G / 100G | 1G / 10G | Max. 1 Gbps |
| SLA uptime | 99.95% | 99.5% | 99.0% |
| Latency | < 1 ms | Carrier-dependent | Internet-dependent |
| Provisioning time | 5–15 business days | 5–20 business days | 1–3 business days |
| Free trial | — | — | 1 month |
| Maximum duration | None | None | 6 months |
| Traffic limit | None | None | 1 Gbps |
| Permanent model | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ (temporary) |
| Recommended use | Production | Production | Test / getting started |
6. Model Migration
- Migration from Remote Peering to Cross-Connect or Carrier VLAN is carried out with minimal disruption.
- Migration planning must be coordinated with RegPEX NOC at least 10 business days in advance.
- Both connections may remain active simultaneously during migration (additional charges may apply).
7. Contact
- Applications and technical enquiries: peering@regpex.tr
- NOC: noc@regpex.tr / +90 (312) 486 01 86
- General enquiries: Contact Form