The node will connect to Level 3’s global CDN and will be hosted within Etisalat’s Smarthub facility.
It is said to provide network reach, performance and scalability to Etisalat and its regional customers. It is hoped the move will help localise delivery of internet traffic to support growth in the Middle East region.
“We are pleased to be hosting such a large and well-recognised global CDN provider in the UAE,” said Ali Amiri, EVP of Etisalat carrier and wholesale services.
“Etisalat is constantly improving the speed and quality of internet services provided to our UAE and greater MENA subscribers. This is done by constantly implementing advanced technologies like CDN and understanding the exact requirements of the market.”
Level 3’s CDN services are said to benefit from reduced video and website loading times, as well as minimising the need to send local traffic outside of the network.
“Etisalat’s Smarthub facilities provide access to the Emirates Internet Exchange (EMIX), the exchange which has served the region’s most important IP transit facility,” said James Heard, regional president of EMEA, Level 3.
“This enables Level 3 to reach millions of internet users on the Etisalat regional network. Level 3 has now expanded its reach into the Middle East highlighting the growing importance of content delivery to the last mile to our customers.”
