Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I get connected to AMS-IX?
It is a two-step approach: you have to become a member of AMS-IX first and then choose a housing location (such as Nikhef) for your equipment in order to obtain a port on one of the AMS-IX switches. We refer to http://www.ams-ix.net/Joining/index.html for further information.
Q. Can I connect my equipment to the AMS-IX switch at Nikhef myself?
No, only Nikhef staff may connect your equipment to the AMS-IX switch at Nikhef. The cabling and connection is included in the rental fee.
Q. Can Nikhef arrange private peering on request?
Yes. We will charge you an installation fee of €300 excl. VAT for a fiber connection and 400 excl. VAT for a UTP connection. Patch requests can be entered online.
Q. How about private peering between the AMS-IX sites Nikhef and Vancis/SARA on the Science Park?
Connections between Nikhef and Vancis/SARA are managed by Vancis/SARA. You can send your request to info@vancis.nl. See also 'fees and contracts'.
Q. And fiber connections between Nikhef and TelecityGroup?
These are managed by TelecityGroup; please contact nl.info@telecity.com or phone: +31 650 501010.
Q. I wish to become Partner in the framework of the AMS-IX Partner Program. Can I offer my customers AMS-IX connectivity via the Nikhef housing location?
Yes, but first you need to sign a connection management agreement with Nikhef. We refer to the current list of AMS-IX partners at Nikhef and their connected parties. Contact contracts@nikhefhousing.nl for further information.
Q. Can I carry out my own cabling in the Nikhef housing location?
Yes, but only during office hours and preferably announced in advance. Please report at the reception desk that you plan to carry out cabling; the receptionist will then notify Nikhef staff, who will assist you in the routing of the cable and provide guidelines for labeling.
Q. Can I enter the site 24 hours a day?
Yes, you can. If you plan a visit outside office hours you should enter an access request or warn Security by telephone in advance (+31 20 592 3000) and state your name, company and (mobile) phone number. We further refer to the entrance protocol entrance protocol.
Q. An emergency visit cannot be planned! What do I do then?
Also then it is important to warn Security in advance. Security will notify Nikhef staff, if needed.
Q. Is there a resilient power system at Nikhef's housing location?
Yes, we have a UPS and dieselgenerator, which take over the power supply to the housing room for 48 hours at full demand. Furthermore, a rack position has two separate 220 V electrical feeds.
Q. What is included in Nikhef's rental fee?
The rental fee includes services, that are usually not part of the fee at other sites. Nikhef does not charge installation costs. The fee includes practical 'remote' support from Nikhef staff on request like the installation of new router boards, checking and repairing connections, rebooting equipment, etc.
Q. Can I use my mobile phone inside the housing location?
Yes.
Q. What about wireless network connectivity inside the housing location?
Wireless connectivity is available for guest users. Please contact Nikhef staff at support@nikhefhousing.nl.
Q. Can Nikhef arrange out of band services?
Yes, we use KPN services for this (analog or ISDN). Please contact Nikhef staff at support@nikhefhousing.nl.
Q. Does Nikhef provide 24 * 7 'hands and feet' services?
No, Nikhef's service organisation does not have the capacity to offer this service on a regular basis. In exceptional cases Nikhef is prepared to carry out an activity for customers outside office hours, but only if it can be planned well in advance. The request will be judged and decided upon by the location manager.
Q. Which telecom operators are present at your location?
Many! Please see the carriers page and our customer base.
Q. I want to discontinue my AMS-IX connection. What do I have to do?
You have to give notice to the AMS-IX association that you give up membership. If you want to give up your rack space at Nikhef too, please take into account that we formally require such a notification six months in advance!
Q. I cannot find the answers to my questions in this FAQ. What to do?
Please contact Nikhef staff at support@nikhefhousing.nl.