The London Internet Exchange (LINX) is expanding its presence at the Lunar Digital data centre in Manchester. The upgrade will convert the site from a single-homed transmission location to a dual-homed, fully resilient point of presence (PoP).
Originally introduced in response to growing demand for an additional PoP at LINX’s Manchester interconnection hub, the site’s uptake has reinforced the requirement for a fully diverse and resilient presence from the internet exchange. Initiated in September 2024, the project has progressed beyond initial expectations.
LINX CEO Jennifer Holmes highlighted Manchester’s increasing importance as a digital hub in the North. Mike Hellers, Product Development Manager, noted that the Manchester LAN has expanded threefold, supporting more than 130 networks with consistent low latency connectivity and handling over 900Gbps of traffic at peak times.
Hellers stated that upgrading Lunar to a resilient PoP will provide existing LINX members and future networks with improved reliability, additional capacity and greater connectivity options as the regional ecosystem continues to develop.
Lunar Digital operates three data centres in Manchester, with access to LINX available through a single cross connect from Lunar1 and Lunar2. The upgrade reflects a broader trend of network operators, cloud providers and content platforms strengthening their presence in Manchester, with demand for regional interconnection continuing to grow.
Lunar Digital CEO Rob Garbutt welcomed the development, describing it as evidence of both the company’s growth and the increasing demand for high-performance connectivity in the North of England.
Networks at Lunar Digital will be able to access services at the LINX Manchester internet exchange via a single cross connect. Services include peering, private VLANs, Closed User Groups and the Microsoft Azure Peering Service (MAPS).
The transition is expected to conclude shortly and represents continued investment in regional digital infrastructure across the UK.
