Direct Connect/Private Link Access Service (DC/PLAS)

Clouds can be used as public web services via simple Internet connections, ideally via a VPN tunnel. However, many (larger) companies have higher requirements when it comes to the quality of the cloud connection. They use more powerful network connections from connectivity providers in order to achieve higher transmission speeds, greater stability and enhanced security options.

To use Direct Connect, a contract with a network provider is needed. An individual communication channel can then be established to and from the resources in the Open Telekom Cloud using Direct Connect. The service is available with bandwidths ranging from 1 MBit to 10 GBit. A connection to Biere/Magdeburg using this service is essential for the Private Link Access Service (PLAS).

The PLAS allows Open Telekom Cloud users to configure dedicated (non-shared) access points from their own network (from colocation sites, offices or data centers) to their VPC in the Open Telekom Cloud. The cloud resources are then accessed via a private network connection.

Two variants of the PLAS are currently available: Ethernet Connect (as a layer 2 connection) and IntraSelect (MPLS – multiprotocol label switching as a layer 3 connection).
Existing enterprise networks from providers other than Deutsche Telekom can also be used for the connection, although it is advisable to evaluate these systems in advance. On the basis of Direct Connect, the PLAS Connector is generated with a corresponding ID. Using this ID, the network administrator can then connect the PLAS to the enterprise network.

Billing is generally based on port prices, while the Direct Connect service is charged according to the chosen bandwidth. There is a one-off set-up fee for Direct Connect.