In data centers, several terms are used to describe different types of connections between racks, customers, and locations. Terms like Cross Connect, Inhouse Patch, Metro Connect, and LOA frequently appear in documentation. Although closely related, each has its own meaning and purpose. This article explains what these terms mean and how they relate to one another.
Cross Connect
A Cross Connect is a physical connection within a data center between two parties. It typically consists of a fiber or copper cable that connects a customer’s equipment to that of an internet provider, carrier, or cloud provider located in the same facility.
A Cross Connect provides a direct, secure, and high-performance link without routing traffic over the public internet. It is usually installed and maintained by the data center operator and forms an essential part of modern data center infrastructure.
Inhouse Patch
The term Inhouse Patch usually refers to short internal connections within the same data center – for example, between racks on the same floor or inside the same meet-me-room (MMR).
Some data centers use Inhouse Patch as a practical variation of Cross Connect. In that case, the Cross Connect refers to the physical cable, while Inhouse Patch refers to the service or process of setting up the connection. In both cases, it is an internal link that stays entirely within a single facility.
Metro Connect
A Metro Connect is a connection between two or more data centers within the same metropolitan area. While a Cross Connect is limited to one site, a Metro Connect links multiple data centers using a dedicated fiber network.
These connections are typically used for:
- Redundancy and failover – distributing IT infrastructure across multiple data centers
- Data distribution – replicating or synchronizing data between sites
- Interconnectivity – accessing providers or cloud platforms hosted in another facility
Metro Connects are usually provided by carriers or by the data center operator connecting their own facilities within the region.
LOA (Letter of Authorization)
An LOA – Letter of Authorization – is a document granting permission to establish a connection to specific equipment. For example, a network provider issues an LOA allowing the data center to install a Cross Connect between the customer’s rack and the provider’s infrastructure.
The LOA serves as proof of authorization and ensures that only approved connections are made. Without a valid LOA, a data center typically will not carry out the installation.
How the terms relate
The four terms are closely connected and together describe how connectivity is established within and between data centers:
- LOA – grants permission to install the connection
- Inhouse Patch – internal link within one room or meet-me-room
- Cross Connect – physical connection within a single data center
- Metro Connect – network connection between multiple data centers in one region
In short:
An LOA authorizes the installation of a Cross Connect or Inhouse Patch within a data center, while a Metro Connect extends that same concept across multiple locations.
Related articles
- Internet in the data center: what to consider as a customer
- What makes a good SLA for internet services?
Conclusion
Cross Connects, Inhouse Patches, Metro Connects, and LOAs are fundamental building blocks of data center connectivity. They enable customers, providers, and platforms to connect efficiently and securely, whether within a single facility or across multiple sites in a metropolitan region.
