Cogent Communications: Chicago LaSalle Data Center

Facility Overview

Also known as Chicago 3 in Cogent’s downtown hub, this carrier-neutral colocation site is operated by Cogent Communications at 427 South LaSalle Street, Chicago. It serves enterprise clients, carriers, and content delivery networks, offering secure and scalable infrastructure with direct connection into Cogent’s Tier 1 IP network.

Space & Layout

• Approximately 2,711 square feet of raised-floor colocation space for optimized equipment deployment.
• Equipped with 42U standard cabinets, complete with pre-installed under-floor pathways for power and network cabling.

Power & Resiliency

• Fed by utility power with protection via UPS systems ensuring clean, uninterrupted electricity.
• Backup power provided by on-site diesel generators working with automatic transfer switches to maintain service continuity.
• Power Distribution Units (PDUs) support flexible power provisioning to individual racks.

Cooling & Environment

• Precision climate control through N+1 chilled water or DX cooling systems and CRAHs.
• Temperature and humidity are tightly regulated to align with industry standards.
• Leak detection systems monitor raised-floor areas to detect moisture and prevent water damage.

Fire Detection & Suppression

• Early-warning smoke detection via VESDA.
• Multi-tier fire safety includes heat and smoke sensors, pre-action sprinkler systems, and FM‑200 clean-agent suppression.

Security & Access

• 24/7 surveillance with networked motion-activated cameras covering perimeter and data halls.
• Access controlled using badge readers and biometric verification at primary entry points.
• Entry processes are logged to ensure accountability and meet compliance standards.

Connectivity

• Offers direct on-net access to Cogent’s global Tier 1 backbone.
• Supports Ethernet, IP transit, MPLS and high-capacity interconnects with low-latency routing across key markets.
• The carrier-neutral design allows clients to interconnect with other fiber providers as needed.

Ideal Use Cases

• Optimized for cloud infrastructure, SaaS platforms, disaster recovery, and hybrid/multi-cloud environments.
• Ideal for high-density, latency-sensitive applications due to central downtown location and robust infrastructure.