FCT-FCCN (SE03/GigaPix II) Data Center

The RCTS (Rede Ciência, Tecnologia e Sociedade) Central Node serves as the datacenter for the Portuguese Research & Education Network. This facility is also a key location, as it holds one of the main nodes for GigaPix/Lisbon.

GigaPix is a national, neutral Internet Exchange Point (IXP) for IP traffic in Portugal, which has been promoted by FCCN for several years. It is also recognized as a founding member of Euro-IX, the European Internet Exchanges Association.

The primary goals of GigaPix are to improve the overall quality of interconnection between the various IP networks that operate in Portugal. A key part of this mission is to avoid the use of international resources for IP packets that have both their source and destination within Portugal, keeping domestic traffic local.

GigaPix provides connections at both the physical and connection layers. At the physical layer, every IUG (Internet User Group) is provided with a UTP port using an RJ45 female connector. At the connection layer, GigaPix supports multiple protocols, including Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, and 10 Gigabit Ethernet.

The facility provides reliable power via a 220V socket, supported by both a UPS and a diesel generator. The environment is monitored with temperature surveillance and humidity control. Space is provided in 19-inch cabinets up to 40 cm in height (about 8 rack units) for IUG equipment, including modems or backup units. The site offers partial cabinets, shared rackspace, a Meet-Me-Room (MMR), and 24/7 onsite security with Remote Hands support. This node hosts 1 Internet Exchange Point with 9 peering networks.