The Epicenter of Global Internet Connectivity at 60 Hudson Street, New York City
The Old Western Union Building located at 60 Hudson Street in New York City is indeed considered one of the most important Internet hubs in the world. There are several reasons why this building holds such significance:
Historical Importance
The building itself has a rich history. It was constructed in 1928 as the headquarters for Western Union, a renowned telegraph company. During that time, it served as a major communication hub for telegraphy, connecting different parts of the country.
Strategic Location
60 Hudson Street occupies a geographically advantageous position in Lower Manhattan, close to important transatlantic undersea cable landings. These cables are essential for global communication and carry vast amounts of data across continents. The building’s location enables it to serve as a crucial connection point between North America and Europe.
Dense Network Infrastructure
Over the years, the building has evolved into a dense ecosystem of network providers, telecommunications companies, Internet service providers (ISPs), and other technology firms. It houses a large number of network switches, routers, and other infrastructure necessary for the functioning of the Internet.
Network Interconnection
60 Hudson Street is a major hub for network interconnection. Numerous network operators and ISPs have established points of presence (PoPs) within the building. This allows them to exchange traffic, connect their networks, and facilitate the flow of data between different providers. The presence of multiple networks in one location improves connectivity, reduces latency, and enhances overall network performance.
Peering Exchanges
The building hosts important peering exchanges, such as the New York International Internet Exchange (NYIIX), operated by Telehouse America. Peering exchanges allow different networks to directly interconnect and exchange traffic without relying on third-party networks. This enhances efficiency, reduces costs, and improves the quality of Internet connections.
Resilience and Redundancy
60 Hudson Street is designed to be highly resilient and redundant. It has multiple fiber optic connections, power supplies, and backup systems to ensure continuous operation even in the event of failures or outages. This level of reliability makes it an attractive location for critical Internet infrastructure.
Considering these factors, the Old Western Union Building at 60 Hudson Street has become a crucial hub for global Internet traffic, facilitating the exchange of data between networks and playing a vital role in the functioning of the modern Internet.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/60_Hudson_Street