CME DIRECTLink
A CME Group-managed network solution providing customers with the required circuits, back-up connection and hardware.
Bandwidth
T1 frame connections
20 and 40mbps Ethernet
Carrier diversity via 2 circuits from different carriers
Network monitoring and support by CME Group

Note:  CME DIRECTLink options are available in the U.S. only. For international Ethernet connectivity, please refer to the CME Globex Hubs section.

Types of CME DIRECTLink Connectivity

CME DIRECTLink – Ethernet
Metropolitan Area Network that provides U.S. Ethernet connectivity

• Redundant 20MB connections
• Available in most financial districts and buildings
• Monthly charge of $5,000.00

For customer locations in the U.S. that do not allow for Ethernet-enabled connectivity, other 20MB connectivity options will be available, including:

CME DIRECTLink – Hybrid
One Ethernet connection, one traditional connection

• Once another telecommunications vendor has facilities at the customer location the traditional connection will migrate to Ethernet
• Monthly charge of $9,000.00

CME DIRECTLink – Traditional
Extension of existing CME Asynchronous Transfer Mode/Wide Area Network (ATM/WAN) technology

• Approach to high bandwidth needs for out-of-range customer sites
• Priced on a case-by-case basis

Local Network (LNet) 
A customer-managed solution, where customers are required to house a CME Globex-certified trading application via a specified colocation facility. LNet may not be utilized as a network-only connectivity option.

LNet offers reduced network latency because the colocation facilities are directly connected to the CME Globex fiber optic transport, i.e., the CME Globex network. For non-local customers, LNet provides a lower-latency connectivity solution.

• Bandwidth: 40mbps
• Redundant connection from colocation facility
• Two colocation facilities available
• Network monitoring and support by customers

All LNet customers must maintain a redundant, separate site connected to the CME Globex platform.

Documentation for LNet
LNet Connectivity Guide
LNet FAQ

CME Globex Hubs
The hubs allow for customer-managed connections to redundant data centers in Amsterdam, Dublin, London, Milan, Paris and Singapore.

Features:

• Choice of local telecommunication access providers with facilities in data centers
• Ethernet bandwidth subscription
• Connection to CME Globex Hub managed by customer
• Connection between CME Globex Hub and Chicago managed by CME Group

Client DIRECTLink
A customer-managed solution connecting to CME Globex within approved telecommunications vendor clouds.

• Choice of AT&T, MCI and Sprint telecommunication vendors
• Bandwidth available in 10, 20 and 40mbps
• Dual connectivity to redundant data centers
• Network monitoring and support by customer

Client INTERNETLink
Customer-managed access via a secure VPN tunnel over the Internet.

• Customer chooses a tier-one Internet provider
• Bandwidth available in increments of 0.5 to 20mbps
• Network monitoring and support by customer