What factors are causing the increased latency in Equinix Fabric connections between Singapore and Sydney data centers this month?

Introduction

Increased latency in Equinix Fabric connections between Singapore and Sydney data centers is a critical issue that demands immediate attention. This analysis will systematically identify, validate, and address the root cause while considering both short-term fixes and long-term strategic implications.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Looking at the timing, I'm thinking there might be a recent change in network infrastructure. Has there been any significant upgrade or maintenance work on the Singapore-Sydney route in the past month?

Why it matters: Recent changes often correlate with performance issues. Expected answer: Yes, there was a major router upgrade. Impact on approach: If confirmed, we'd focus on post-upgrade configuration and compatibility issues.

• Considering user segmentation, I'm curious about the distribution of affected connections. Are we seeing this increased latency across all customer types, or is it more prevalent in specific industries or usage patterns?

Why it matters: Helps narrow down potential causes related to specific use cases or traffic types. Expected answer: Financial services customers are experiencing higher latency spikes. Impact on approach: We'd investigate potential changes in financial data traffic patterns or new regulatory requirements.

• Given the geographical nature of the issue, I'm wondering about any changes in routing policies. Have there been any modifications to BGP configurations or peering arrangements between Singapore and Sydney recently?

Why it matters: Routing changes can significantly impact latency between specific locations. Expected answer: No major routing policy changes have been implemented. Impact on approach: We'd shift focus to physical infrastructure or capacity issues if routing isn't the culprit.

• Thinking about external factors, I'm curious about any recent submarine cable maintenance or damage in the region. Have there been any reported issues with the major undersea cables connecting Singapore and Sydney?

Why it matters: Submarine cable issues can cause widespread latency problems. Expected answer: There was scheduled maintenance on one cable, but it shouldn't affect our primary routes. Impact on approach: We'd investigate if the maintenance has unexpectedly impacted our traffic routing.