Network-neutral data center

A network-neutral data center (or carrier-neutral data center) is a data center (or carrier hotel) which allows interconnection between multiple telecommunication carriers and/or colocation providers. Network-neutral data centers exist all over the world and vary in size and power.

While some data centers are owned and operated by a telecommunications or Internet service provider, network-neutral data centers are operated by a third party who has little or no part in providing Internet service to the end-user. This encourages competition and diversity as a server in a colocation centre can have one provider, multiple providers or only connect back to the headquarters of the company who owns the server.

One benefit of hosting in a network-neutral data center is the ability to switch providers without physically moving the server to another location.