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Megaport Documentation
Alibaba Express Connect

Connecting to Alibaba Express Connect

The Alibaba private interconnection service is called Express Connect. Alibaba Express Connect enables customers to create private connections between their remote network environments and their Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) deployments.

When connecting to Alibaba Cloud services through Express Connect with Megaport, the Virtual Cross Connect (VXC) forms the Layer 2 component of the connection and Layer 3 BGP is established directly between the customer and their private environment with Alibaba Cloud VPC.

Benefits of Alibaba Express Connect through Megaport

The benefits of creating a Alibaba Express Connect through Megaport include:

  • Enhanced security and higher network performance
  • Scalable connectivity options
  • API integration between Megaport and Alibaba which simplifies the provisioning of connections for a fast and seamless experience
  • Connect to Alibaba Cloud on-ramp locations through any of the global Megaport-enabled locations
  • Connect with the Alibaba Cloud Enterprise Network (CEN). For more information, see What is Cloud Enterprise Network? in the Alibaba documentation.

Creating a VXC to the Alibaba Cloud

Before you can create a connection to Alibaba Cloud, you need to have an Alibaba account (you can create one in the Alibaba Console). Your account number is required to create your Megaport VXC.

To get your Alibaba account ID

  • Log in to the Alibaba Cloud Console and retrieve your account ID. When logged in, click your Avatar icon located in the top right-hand corner and copy your Account ID.
    Alibaba account ID

To create a VXC to your Alibaba Express Connect peer location

  1. In the Megaport Portal, find the Port to attach your VXC to and click +Connection.
    This example uses Alibaba Express Connect as the selected Port.
    If you haven’t already created a Port, see Creating a Port. Add a connection

  2. Click the Cloud tile and click Next.
    Cloud tile

  3. Select Alibaba Cloud as the provider.
    Alibaba provider

  4. Select the target location for your connection and click Next.

  5. Specify the connection details:

    • Connection Name – The name of your VXC to be shown in the Megaport Portal.

    • Service Level Reference (optional) – Specify a unique identifying number for the VXC to be used for billing purposes, such as a cost center number or a unique customer ID. The service level reference number appears for each service under the Product section of the invoice. You can also edit this field for an existing service.

      Note

      Partner-managed accounts can apply a Partner Deal to a service. For more information, see Associating a Deal With a Service.

    • Rate Limit – The speed of your connection in Mbps. Select one of Alibaba’s supported speed options for the Shared Port connection.

    • VXC State – Select Enabled or Shut Down to define the initial state of the connection. For more information, see Shutting Down a VXC for Failover Testing.

      Note

      If you select Shut Down, traffic will not flow through this service and it will behave as if it was down on the Megaport network. Billing for this service will remain active and you will still be charged for this connection.

    • Preferred A-End VLAN (optional) – Specify an unused VLAN ID for this connection.
      This must be a unique VLAN ID on this Port and can range from 2 to 4093. If you specify a VLAN ID that is already in use, the system displays the next available VLAN number. The VLAN ID must be unique to proceed with the order. If you don’t specify a value, Megaport will assign one.

      Alternatively, you can click Untag to remove the VLAN tagging for this connection. The untagged option limits you to only one VXC deployed on this Port.

    • Minimum Term – Select No Minimum Term, 12 Months, 24 Months, or 36 Months. Longer terms result in a lower monthly rate. 12 Months is selected by default.
      Take note of the information on the screen to avoid early termination fees (ETF). See VXC Pricing and Contract Terms and VXC, Megaport Internet, and IX Billing for more information.

    Alibaba VXC Connection Details

  6. Click Next.

  7. Enter the Account ID copied from your Alibaba Console and click Next.
    Account ID

  8. Add the VXC to your cart and configure more VXCs or proceed through the checkout process.
    Once you have completed and deployed the VXC in the Portal, return to the Alibaba Console and in the Express Connect section, find the new connection under Physical Connections. It will take a few minutes from the time you deploy the VXC for the connection to appear in the Alibaba Console. Make sure you select the Express Connect Region you selected in the Portal to find your connection under Physical Connections.

  9. Click Accept and Pay.
    Confirm connection

  10. Specify the duration of the Physical Connection.
    Physical Connection details

  11. Click Buy Now.

  12. Confirm the payment details.
  13. Once your payment has been accepted, return to the console.
  14. Confirm that the Physical Connection Status has changed to Enabled.
    Physical Connection details
Last update: 2024-04-15